Gaming system, device and method involving a role-based game and side game

ABSTRACT

The gaming system, table method and device includes a base game and a side game. The base game involves a gamer&#39;s selection of one role or another role. The gaming system includes a side game and a side game bet tracker which enables the gamer to bet on a predicted outcomes of the base game.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/114,309, filed on Nov. 13, 2008, and the entire contents of such application are hereby incorporated by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/668,670 filed on Sep. 22, 2003, Attorney Docket No. 112300-3588; U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/609,176 filed on Dec. 11, 2006, Attorney Docket No. 112300-3656; and U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/609,173 filed on Dec. 11, 2006, Attorney Docket No. 112300-3654.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

There are known wagering games, such as the Baccarat card game, which involve one side versus another side. In Baccarat, the person placing the wager, referred to herein as the “gamer,” may select the role of “PLAYER” or “BANKER.” If the gamer selects the PLAYER role, the gamer bets against the BANKER. If the gamer selects the BANKER role, the gamer bets against the PLAYER. In games like Baccarat, one role has a greater win probability than the other role. For example, the BANKER role has a greater win probability than the PLAYER role in the known Baccarat game. To compensate for this, the known Baccarat game provides a greater award value for the PLAYER role.

It is known to add streak games to main games to increase the entertainment of the main games and to add wager options for the gamer. To play a streak game, the gamer places a side wager on the prospects of achieving a predetermined number of consecutive wins in the course of playing the main game. The known streak games pay a streak award when the gamer achieves the predetermined number of consecutive wins. The known streak games also have an expected rate of return (“ERR”) for the gamer, also known as the expected return to player (“RTP”).

There can be difficulty in providing a streak game for games like Baccarat. Over the course of multiple consecutive plays of Baccarat, the gamer may want to assume different roles. As described above, these different roles have different win probabilities. Consequently, the ERR for the streak game can vary widely with the gamer's different role selections. Games with ERRs which vary widely, or which depend significantly upon the gamer's choices, can result in undesirable or unacceptably low payout rates for gamers, which can lead to gamers reducing or eliminating their wagers on such a proposition, which can then lead to overall lower profits for the casinos.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome, or lessen the effects of, the disadvantages described above. There is also a need to enhance the operational functionality of main games linked to streak games, or otherwise provide improvements to, and interesting variations of, main games linked to streak games.

SUMMARY

The gaming system, table, method and device of the present disclosure includes a base game and a side game, such as a streak game. In the base game, the gamer selects an inferior role or a superior role. The superior role is associated with a greater win probability than the inferior role. In one embodiment, the base game is based on Baccarat, where the inferior role corresponds to PLAYER, and the superior role corresponds to BANKER.

To play the base game, the gamer places a base game wager. The gamer also has the option to play the side game while playing consecutive plays of the base game. To play the side game, the gamer places a side game wager.

The side game has a plurality of advancement levels. Depending upon the outcome (i.e., win, loss or TIE) of each base game play, the gamer may or may not advance to the next level. In one pay-as-you-go embodiment, the gaming system pays side game awards along the way if a certain level of streak advancement is attained, during the series of plays of the base game. In one pay-at-end embodiment, the gaming system pays a side game award if and when the gamer reaches the uppermost level of the side game. In one variation of pay-at-end, called a pay-when-over variation, in addition to paying a side game award if and when the gamer reaches the uppermost level of the side game, the gaming system also pays a side game award if a certain level of streak advancement is attained and the streak is ended before the uppermost level is attained.

The side game of the gaming system compensates for the lower win probability of the inferior role. The compensation results in an overall ERR which varies within a suitable range despite the role changes the gamer may make during a series of plays. For example, a win streak of BANKER win, BANKER win, BANKER win, and PLAYER win has the same or substantially the same ERR as a win streak of PLAYER win, PLAYER win, BANKER win and BANKER win.

In one embodiment, the gaming system applies an award boost to increase the side game payout rate for each inferior role bet. This boost provides the compensation described above.

In one embodiment, the gaming system implements a set of different or asymmetric advancement conditions or rules. The rule set includes an inferior advancement rule and a superior advancement rule. The inferior advancement rule is associated with an advancement probability which is sufficiently similar to that of the superior advancement rule despite the fact that the inferior win outcome is less likely than the superior win outcome. In other words, a bet on the inferior role provides more opportunity to advance within the streak game than a bet on the superior role in order to better equalize the probabilities of advancement. The implementation of the set of asymmetric rules provides the compensation described above. In one embodiment, the asymmetry or difference between the inferior and superior rules is based on the different consequences of reaching a TIE.

In one pay-at-end embodiment, the gaming system has different payout rates associated with different series of base game outcomes. At the end of the series of plays, the gaming system applies the payout rate which corresponds to the series of outcomes achieved by the gamer. For example, if the gamer achieves two PLAYER wins and one BANKER win, the gaming system applies one payout rate to determine a side game award at the end of the side game. If, on the other hand, the gamer achieves three BANKER wins, the gaming system applies a different payout rate to determine a side game award at the end of the side game.

In another pay-at-end embodiment, the gaming system has an array of side wage multipliers which are arranged in increasing order. In one embodiment, the side wager multipliers are arranged in order of magnitude increasing from left to right along the array or line. In such embodiment, the gaming system provides an array of outcome positions below the multiplier array. Each win in the base game advances the gamer upward through the array, closer to the multiplier array. A win on the inferior role (i.e., PLAYER) advances the gamer upward and angled toward the right, in the direction of the higher multipliers. A win on the superior role (i.e., BANKER) advances the gamer upward and angled toward the left, in the direction of the lower multipliers. If and when the gamer reaches the uppermost level of the side game, the gaming system provides a side game award based on the multiplier reached by the gamer.

In one embodiment, the gamer is required to have an active side game wager in play in order to play the main game. In another embodiment, where multiple side game wagers can be in play, the gamer is required to place a new side game wager at every opportunity that a new side game wager can be placed in order to play the main game. In one embodiment, the gamer has the option to place, or not place, a side game wager. In another embodiment, the side game wager must be within a certain specified range of values. In one embodiment, the side game wager must be at least as large as some minimum value relating to the size of the main game wager. In another embodiment, the side game wager is required to be no larger than some maximum value relating to the size of the main game wager. In one embodiment, the gamer can solely play the side game wager and is not required to make a main game wager. In such embodiment, the gaming system provides an alternate method or mechanism for a gamer to specify the gamer's main game outcome guess, such as, with a lamer or marker or push button or any other suitable device or mechanism.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table configured for the play of a base game which is based on Baccarat. The gaming system also includes a side game which is playable with the base game. Each one of the gamers at the table has an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game. Through the side game, each gamer can place a wager on a predicted outcome sequence for the consecutive plays.

For the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays: (a) at least one BANKER card station for a BANKER role; and (b) at least one PLAYER card station for a PLAYER role. Also, for each one of the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays a side game bet tracker.

Each gamer may use the gamer's side game bet tracker to record, for each one of the gamer's plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER or PLAYER role will win. For example, a gamer may use the side game bet tracker to record the gamer's prediction that the gamer will receive the following consecutive sequence of outcomes: BANKER win for the first play, BANKER win for the second play, PLAYER win for the third play, and BANKER win for the fourth play. After each play is completed (or after all of the plays are completed), the side game bet tracker indicates, for each one of the plays, an outcome indicating whether the gamer's prediction was correct or wrong.

In addition, the side game bet tracker indicates a score resulting from the plays. The score is based on how many of the predictions are correct.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a side game payout indicator which is configured to indicate: (a) a plurality of different payout rates; and (b) a plurality of different quantities of correct predictions. Each one of the quantities is associated with one of the payout rates. Continuing with the example described above: (i) payout rate A may be associated with a score of all four correct predictions; (ii) payout rate B (lower than payout rate A) may be associated with a score of three correct predictions and one wrong prediction; (iii) payout rate C (lower than payout rate B) may be associated with a score of two correct predictions and two wrong predictions; and (iv) payout rate D (lower than payout rate C) may be associated with a score of one correct prediction and three wrong predictions. The gaming system provides an award based on the applicable payout rate. In this embodiment, the scoring does not require any particular sequence of correct or incorrect predictions. Rather, the scoring is based on the number of correct predictions versus the number of incorrect predictions.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table configured for the play of a base game which is based on Baccarat. The gaming system also includes a side game which is playable with the base game. Each one of the gamers at the table has an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game. Through the side game, each gamer can place a wager on a predicted outcome sequence for the consecutive plays.

For the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays: (a) at least one BANKER card station for a BANKER role; and (b) at least one PLAYER card station for a PLAYER role. Also, for each one of the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays a side game bet tracker.

Each gamer may use the gamer's side game bet tracker to record, for each one of the gamer's plays, a pick for a prediction that the BANKER or PLAYER role will win. For example, a gamer may use the side game bet tracker to record the gamer's prediction that the gamer will receive the following consecutive sequence of outcomes: BANKER win for the first play, BANKER win for the second play, PLAYER win for the third play, and BANKER win for the fourth play.

The side game bet tracker also indicates, for each one of the plays, a plurality of different point values. For example, a point value of forty-five may be associated with the BANKER role, and a point value of fifty may be associated with the PLAYER role.

The gaming system includes a side game payout indicator configured to indicate a score resulting from a sequence of base game plays by the gamer. The score is based on a plurality of factors, including: (a) how many of the predictions are correct; (b) the point values associated with the correct predictions, if any, for the BANKER role; and (c) the point values associated with the correct predictions, if any, for the PLAYER role. The side game payout indicator also indicates a plurality of different score outcomes associated with a plurality of different payout rates.

Continuing with the example described above: (i) payout rate A may be associated with a score of two thousand five hundred; (ii) payout rate B (lower than payout rate A) may be associated with a score in the range of two thousand to two thousand four hundred ninety-nine; (iii) payout rate C (lower than payout rate B) may be associated with a score of one thousand five hundred to one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine; and (iv) payout rate D (lower than payout rate C) may be associated with a one thousand to one thousand four hundred ninety-nine. The gaming system provides an award based on the applicable payout rate.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table configured for the play of a base game which is based on Baccarat. The gaming system also includes a side game which is playable with the base game. Each one of the gamers at the table has an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game. Through the side game, each gamer can place a wager on a predicted outcome sequence for the consecutive plays.

For the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays: (a) at least one BANKER card station for a BANKER role; and (b) at least one PLAYER card station for a PLAYER role. Also, for each one of the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays a side game bet tracker.

Each gamer may use the gamer's side game bet tracker to record, for each one of the gamer's plays, a pick for a prediction that the BANKER or PLAYER role will win. For example, a gamer may use the side game bet tracker to record the gamer's prediction that the gamer will receive the following consecutive sequence of outcomes: BANKER win for the first play, BANKER win for the second play, PLAYER win for the third play, and BANKER win for the fourth play. After each play is completed (or after all of the plays are completed), the side game bet tracker indicates, for each one of the plays, an outcome indicating whether the gamer's prediction was correct or wrong.

The gaming system also includes a side game payout indicator configured to indicate a payout rate. The gaming system only implements or provides the payout rate if all (one hundred percent) or a designated percent of the predictions are correct. The gaming system provides an award based on the payout rate, if implemented.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table configured for the play of a base game which is based on Baccarat. The gaming system also includes a side game which is playable with the base game. Each one of the gamers at the table has an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game. Through the side game, each gamer can place a wager on a predicted outcome sequence for the consecutive plays.

For the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes a BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table. The BANKER card station is associated with a BANKER role. Also for the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes a PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table. The PLAYER card station is associated with a PLAYER role.

The gaming system also includes at least one display device, at least one memory device, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the display device and memory device. The processor is operable with the display device to display a gamer station for each one of the gamers.

Each gamer may use the gamer's station for managing play of the gamer's side game. Each one of the gamer stations displays a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role. Also, the gamer station displays at least one side game bet tracker. The side game bet tracker is configured to record, for each one of the sequential plays, a pick for a prediction that the BANKER role or the PLAYER role will win. The side game bet tracker is also configured to indicate whether the prediction is correct or wrong. The side game bet tracker is also configured to enable the gamer to select a desired outcome sequence from a set of possible outcome sequences.

The processor selects a payout rate (from a set of different payout rates) which corresponds to the selected outcome sequence. The gaming system displays the selected payout rate and applies the selected payout rate if all (i.e., one hundred percent) or a designated percent of the predictions are correct.

In one embodiment, before play begins, the gaming system displays changing payout rates in response to the different outcome sequences which are set by the gamer. For example, the gamer selects an outcome sequence of BANKER win for the first play, PLAYER win for the second play, and PLAYER win for the third play, and the gaming system displays a payout rate of X. While still deciding which sequence to settle upon, the gamer changes the selection to PLAYER win for the first play, PLAYER win for the second play, and PLAYER win for the third play, and the gaming system then displays a payout rate of Y.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table configured for the play of a base game which is based on Baccarat. The gaming system also includes a side game which is playable with the base game. Each one of the garners at the table has an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game. Through the side game, each gamer can place a wager on a predicted outcome sequence for the consecutive plays.

For the gamers at the table, the gaming system includes or displays: (a) at least one BANKER card station for a BANKER role; and (b) at least one PLAYER card station for a PLAYER role. Also, for each one of the garners at the table, the gaming system includes or displays a side game bet tracker.

Each gamer may use the gamer's side game bet tracker to record, for each one of the gamer's plays, a pick for a prediction that the BANKER and PLAYER role will win. For example, a gamer may use the side game bet tracker to record the gamer's prediction that the gamer will receive the following consecutive sequence of outcomes: BANKER win for the first play, BANKER win for the second play, PLAYER win for the third play, and BANKER win for the fourth play. After each play is completed (or after all of the plays are completed), the side game bet tracker indicates, for each one of the plays, an outcome indicating whether the gamer's prediction was correct or wrong.

The gaming system also includes a side game payout indicator configured to indicate a starting or base payout rate. In one embodiment, the gaming system only applies the base payout if the gamer were to wager that all of the winners will be BANKER roles. For each prediction that the gamer changes from a predicted BANKER win to a predicted PLAYER win, the gaming system increases the base payout rate by an increment, percentage or other amount. If the gamer is correct about the predicted outcome sequence, the gaming system provides an award based on the applicable payout rate.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example first sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example second sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example third sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fourth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fifth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example sixth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example seventh sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example eighth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example ninth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example tenth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example eleventh sequence of the operation of the embodiment of the gaming system which involves side game award value adjustment.

FIG. 13 is the first eight award value adjustment tables of one example of one embodiment of the gaming system.

FIG. 14 is the second eight award value adjustment tables of one example of one embodiment of the gaming system.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the gaming system which involves advance condition or advance rule adjustment.

FIG. 16 is a table setting forth an example advancement rule set for the embodiment of FIG. 18.

FIG. 17 is a table setting forth a different example advancement rule set for a different embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example first sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example second sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example third sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fourth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the gaming system which implements the rule set of FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating one pay-at-end embodiment of the gaming system.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example first sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example second sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example third sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fourth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fifth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example sixth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example seventh sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example eight sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example ninth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example tenth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example eleventh sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example twelfth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating a different pay-at-end embodiment of the gaming system.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example first sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example second sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example third sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fourth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example fifth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example sixth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example seventh sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example eighth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example ninth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example tenth sequence of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 36.

FIG. 47A is a top plan view of a gaming table of one embodiment.

FIG. 47B is a top plan view of a gaming table of another embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a schematic, top plan view of a gaming table of the gaming system of one embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the gaming system of FIG. 48, illustrating scoring.

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the gaming system of FIG. 48, illustrating weighted roles and scoring.

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the gaming system of FIG. 48, illustrating a designated payout rate corresponding to an outcome of all correct predictions.

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the gaming system of FIG. 48, illustrating a variable payout rate corresponding to variable, selectable sequence outcomes.

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display or screen image of the side game bet tracker of the embodiment of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of different sequence outcomes upon which the gamer may wager for the embodiment of FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example side game bet tracker of one embodiment of the gaming system of FIG. 48, illustrating an incremental payout rate increase based on an incremental change in a bet role.

FIG. 55A is a flow chart illustrating an example operation of one embodiment of the gaming system related to scoring with static payout rates.

FIG. 55B is a flow chart illustrating an example operation of one embodiment of the gaming system related to scoring with static payout rates and weighted rates.

FIG. 55C is a flow chart illustrating an example operation of one embodiment of the gaming system related to variable payout rates for an all correct outcome.

FIG. 56 is a front elevation perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device.

FIG. 57 is a front elevation perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device.

FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic configuration of the gaming device.

FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a network of gaming devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Side Game Outcome Adjustment for Betting on Inferior Role

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the gaming system 10 includes a base game 12 and a side game 14. Depending upon the embodiment, the base game 12 can be the Baccarat card game, any suitable variation of Baccarat or any other suitable wagering game.

In one embodiment, the base game 12 is a card game, such as Baccarat, which is based on a deck of playing cards (not shown). Depending upon the embodiment, the deck of playing cards can include a set of tiles or a set of any other game objects operable to indicate outcomes. The gamer has the option of selecting an inferior role 16 or superior role 18. The inferior role is associated with a win probability 20 (WPI). The win probability 20 is the probability of success assigned to the inferior role 16 of the base game 12. The inferior role 16 includes an inferior role bet area 22 which indicates the wager or bet placed by the gamer. In addition, the inferior role 16 is associated with an inferior role outcome area 24.

The superior role 18 is associated with the win probability 26 (WPS). The win probability 26 is the probability of success assigned to the superior role 18 of the base game 12. As indicated in FIG. 1, the win probability 20 of the inferior role 16 is less than the win probability 26 of the superior role 18. The term “inferior role” is used as a relative term to indicate the lower win probability 20 assigned to the inferior role 16 when compared to the higher win probability 26 of the superior role 18.

The superior role 18 is also associated with a superior role bet area 28 which indicates the wager placed by the gamer for the superior role 18. In addition, the superior role 18 is associated with the superior role outcome area 30.

In play of the base game 12, the gamer may select the inferior role 16 and bet that the inferior role 16 will win against the superior role 18. Alternatively, the gamer may select the superior role 18 and bet that the superior role 18 will win against the inferior role 16. As another alternative, the gamer may place a wager or bet within the tie bet area 32. In doing so, the gamer bets that there will be a TIE between the inferior role 16 and the superior role 18.

In operation of the base game 12, the gamer initially places a wager on one of the bet areas 22, 32 or 28. Next, the dealer deals one or more playing cards to the inferior role card area 24, and the dealer deals one or more playing cards to the superior role card area 30.

Depending upon the embodiment, the dealer can be a computer processor, or the dealer can be a human. Also, depending upon the embodiment, the gaming system 10 can be electronic and displayed as a computer-generated image, or the gaming system 10 can be structural in the form of a game layout template or device attached to, or marked on, a wagering table.

After the cards are dealt, the dealer compares the one or more cards in the card area 24 against the one or more cards in the card area 30. The comparison can be performed by a computer processor or a human. In one embodiment, the comparison is performed in accordance with designated rules or logic, such as the rules of Baccarat described below.

The comparison results in a win by the inferior role 16, a TIE between the inferior and superior roles 16 and 18, or a win by the superior role 18. If the gamer placed the gamer's wager in a winning bet area, the gamer wins the play of the base game and receives the base game award.

The side game 14 includes a side game bet area 34 and a plurality of advancement levels 36, 38, 40 and 42. At the beginning of the first play of the base game 12, the gamer has the option of placing a side bet or wager on the side game bet area 34. If the first play of the base game 12 results in a win, the gamer's side bet moves up to level 36. If the second consecutive play of the base game 12 results in a win, the gamer's side bet moves up to level 38. If the third consecutive play of the base game results in a win, the dealer determines whether the gamer had selected the inferior role 16 or the superior role 18. In this example, the gamer is required to play either the inferior role 16 or the superior role 18 to qualify to play the side game 14. In one embodiment, each win at each level results in an immediate payment to the gamer. In such embodiment, the side game may be described as having a pay-as-you-go award system, which is different from the pay-at-end award system described below.

If the gamer plays the inferior role 16 and wins the base game 12 with a side bet wager on the side game bet area 34, the gaming system 10 boosts all potential award values 44, 48 and 50 by designated, corresponding boosts 46 a, 46 b, and 46 c, respectively, described further below. Then, the gaming system 10 advances the gamer to streak level 36 (Level 1) If, on the other hand, the gamer plays the superior role 18 and wins the base game 12 with a side bet wager on the side game bet area 34, the gaming system 10 maintains all potential award values 44, 48, and 50 at their current values, and the gaming system 10 advances the gamer to the streak level 36 (Level 1).

In some embodiments, the gaming system 10 boosts all remaining future potential awards 44, 48, 50 when the gamer selects to bet for the inferior role 16. In some other embodiments, this boost of awards 44, 48 and 50 occurs when the gamer receives a win while betting on the inferior role 16.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, if the gamer wins the base game at level 36 while playing the inferior role 16, the gaming system 10 provides the gamer with an award value 44 increased by a boost 46 a. At the same time, the gaming system 10 increases or boosts all remaining potential award values 48 and 50 by designated boosts 46 b and 46 c, respectively, and the streak level is advanced to level 38 (Level 2). Each one of the boosts 46 a, 46 b and 46 c can include any mathematical modifier which, when applied to the corresponding value 44, 48 or 50 increases the magnitude of such value. If the gamer wins the base game while assuming a superior role 18 at level 38, the gamer only receives the award value 44 from the side game 14, and the streak level is advanced to level 40 (Level 3). The award value 44 is less than the sum of the award value 44 and the boost 46 a.

In one embodiment, the gaming system 10 automatically provides the side game award to the gamer each time the gamer achieves a win at one of the levels 38, 40 or 42. The side game award associated with level 40 has an award value 48 which is greater than award value 44. Likewise, the side game award associated with level 42 has an award value of 50 which is greater than award value 48. Depending upon the embodiment, the mathematical parameters of the boosts 46 a, 46 b and 46 c can vary from level to level, or the mathematical parameters of the boosts 46 a, 46 b and 46 c can be the same for each of the levels 38, 40 and 42.

In one embodiment, the level-by-level increase in the boosts 46 a, 46 b and 46 c of the side game 14 compensates for the lower win probability 20 associated with the inferior role 16. Accordingly, the ERR of the side game 14 remains within an acceptable variation range despite the changeable role choices of the gamer. In this way, the magnitude of the side award available at each level accounts for all of the inferior and superior role selections previously made by the gamer. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the magnitudes of all of the award values increase with the advancement from level 38 to level 40 to level 42. For example, value 48 is greater than value 44, and value 50 is greater than value 48. Independent of such level-to-level value increase, the boosts 46 a, 46 b and 46 c keep the side game award values of the inferior role greater than the side game award values of the superior role.

If the gamer experiences a loss of the base game 12 while the gamer's side wager is at any one of the levels 38, 40 or 42, the side game 14 terminates. Also, in one embodiment, if the gamer experiences a TIE at any one of the levels 38, 40 or 42, the side game 14 terminates. In another embodiment, if the gamer experiences a TIE at any one of the levels 38, 40 or 42, the streak level is advanced. In another embodiment, if the gamer experiences a TIE at any one of the levels 38, 40 or 42, the streak level is maintained as is. Eventually, if the gamer wins while at the uppermost level 42, the gamer receives a side game award associated with that level 42, and then the side game 14 automatically terminates.

In the embodiment described above, the side game 14 tracks consecutive wins of the base game, so the side game 14 can be described as a winning streak game. In another embodiment, the side game tracks consecutive losses of the base game. In such embodiment, the side game can be described as a losing streak game. In another embodiment, the side game tracks a pattern of outcomes. For example, two consecutive wins followed by two consecutive losses can result in advancement to the top of the side game.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-14, the gaming system 11 includes the card game, Baccarat 52, as the base game. In this embodiment, the side game or streak game 54 is playable in conjunction with Baccarat 52, and the side game 54 has a pay-as-you-go award system. In this embodiment, the inferior role is the role of the “PLAYER,” and the superior role is the role of the “BANKER.” This is because the BANKER role has a higher win probability than the PLAYER role in Baccarat 52. In one embodiment, the win probability of the BANKER role is one half of one percent greater than the win probability of the PLAYER role. In this embodiment, the gamer indicates his/her guess as to the next game outcome by making either a base game bet on PLAYER or a base game bet on BANKER.

In other embodiments, the gamer indicates his/her guess as to the next game outcome through some other suitable manner, and the gamer is either not required or not permitted to place a base game wager on PLAYER or a base game wager on BANKER. In one such embodiment, the manner in which a gamer indicates his/her guess as to the next game outcome can be a physical indicator directly manipulated by the gamer, such as the gamer placing a lamer or marker in a specific area to indicate PLAYER or BANKER. In such embodiment, the placing of the lamer or marker is not the same as placing a base game wager for PLAYER or BANKER. In such an embodiment, the manner in which a gamer indicates his/her guess as to the next game outcome can be a physical, electromechanical, electronic or a virtual device configured to be directly or indirectly manipulated by a gamer input, such as a push button or touch screen or some other suitable input device.

Referring to FIG. 2, the levels 38, 40 and 42 have PLAYER payout rates or payout ratios 56 a, 56 b and 56 c, respectively. Also, the levels 38, 40 and 42 have BANKER payout rates or payout ratios 58 a, 58 b, and 58 c, respectively. In each case, each such PLAYER payout ratio is greater than the corresponding BANKER payout ratio. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, at level 38, an initial base game bet 60 on the PLAYER would result in a pay of one dollar and three cents for each one dollar of side bet wager if the gamer were to have reached level 38 based on two consecutive base game wins. An initial base game bet (not shown) on the BANKER would pay out one dollar for each one dollar of side bet wager if the gamer were to have reached level 38 based on two consecutive base game wins.

At level 40, an initial base game bet 60 on the PLAYER would result in a pay of three dollars and nine cents for each one dollar of side wager if the gamer were to have reached level 40 based on three consecutive wins of the base game. An initial base game bet on the BANKER would result in a pay of three dollars for each one dollar of side bet wager if the gamer were to have reached level 40 based on three consecutive wins of the base game.

At level 42, an initial base game bet on the PLAYER would result in a pay of eight dollars and twenty-seven cents for every one dollar side bet wager plus the return of the side bet wager to the gamer if the gamer were to have reached level 42 based on four consecutive wins of the base game. An initial base game bet on the BANKER would result in a pay of eight dollars for every one dollar of side bet wager plus the return of the side bet wager to the gamer if the gamer were to have reached level 42 based on four consecutive wins of the base game.

For the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-13, the higher potential award for each PLAYER base game bet is defined to be 3.0% above the potential award for all BANKER base game bets. It should be appreciated, however, that other suitable pay schedule variations can be implemented. Depending upon the embodiment, the level to level award value increase, for when the gamer has selected the PLAYER role, can: a) be the same regardless of level advancement, b) increase with level advancement, c) decrease with level advancement, or d) change based on any other suitable pattern. In one embodiment, the sequence of streak award increases follows an arithmetic sequence. In one embodiment, the sequence of streak award increases follows a geometric sequence. In one embodiment, when the gamer bets on the PLAYER, the same rules are applied to increase the streak award for each streak level. In another embodiment, when the gamer bets on the PLAYER, different sequence rules are applied to increase the streak awards depending upon the level. For example, one sequence rule is applied to increase the streak award at one level, and a different sequence rule is applied to increase the streak award at a different level.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the gamer places a one dollar base game wager 60 on the PLAYER bet area 22. In addition, the gamer places a one dollar streak game wager 62 on the streak bet area 34. Because the gamer's base game bet is on PLAYER, the higher set of potential streak payout ratios 56 a, 56 b, 56 c are highlighted to indicate that these are the available potential side bet pays. In FIG. 3, the highlighting is illustrated by a dotted circle. The lower set of potential payout ratios 58 a, 58 b, 58 c are dimmed to indicate that these are not the available potential side bet pays.

Referring to FIG. 4, after the bets are placed, the dealer deals two cards 664 to the PLAYER card area 24, and the dealer deals two cards 64 to the BANKER card area 30. In this example, the PLAYER wins the first play of Baccarat, and the gaming system 10 pays the gamer a one dollar base game award 68. Also, level 36 is highlighted or signified to indicate the side bet streak advancement to level 36.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the cards and the base game award 68 are removed. In addition, the gaming system 10 increases the PLAYER payout ratios and BANKER payout ratios. In this example, the BANKER payout ratio is increased by three cents to ratio 59 a at level 38, by nine cents to ratio 59 b at level 40 and by twenty-seven cents to ratio 59 c at level 42. The PLAYER payout ratios are increased twice as much. The PLAYER payout ratio is increased by six cents to ratio 57 a at level 38, by eighteen cents to ratio 57 b at level 40, and by fifty-four cents to ration 57 c at level 42. As described earlier, these payout ratio increase correspond to 3% of the original BANKER payout ratio.

Because the gamer's current bet is on the PLAYER, the gaming system 10 activates, or otherwise refers to, the PLAYER payout ratios 57 a, 57 b and 57 c, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this example, the gaming system 10 activates payout ratio 57 a because the base game bet is still the PLAYER. If, however, the gamer were to move the bet to the BANKER, the gaming system 10 would activate the BANKER payout ratio 59 a.

Depending upon the embodiment, however, the gaming system 10 may or may not indicate the activated payout ratios to the gamer. Also, depending upon the embodiment, gaming system 10 may or may not display or reveal the payout ratios to the gamer.

In the next play, illustrated in FIG. 6, the gamer keeps the Baccarat bet 60 at the PLAYER bet area 22, and the streak game wager 62 remains at the Hot Streak bet area 34. In this example, the PLAYER cards 70 win against the BANKER cards 72. The gaming system 10 pays the gamer a base game award 74. Also, the gaming system 10 pays the gamer a streak game award 76 in the amount of one dollar and six cents. This payout 74 during the course of the streak game 54 illustrates the pay-as-you-go award system of this embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the cards are removed by the dealer or gaming system 10, the base game award 68 is removed by the gamer, and the base game wager 60 and Hot Streak wager 62 remain displayed. In addition, the gaming system 10 makes an additional increase in the PLAYER payout ratios, increasing them to ratios 61 b and 61 c of levels 40 and 42, respectively. The gaming system 10 also increases the BANKER payout ratios 63 b and 63 c of the levels 40 and 42, respectively, to reflect the additional risk the gamer took to get to the current streak level through a PLAYER base game guess. As in the previous round, the PLAYER payout ratio is greater than the BANKER payout ratio at both levels 40 and 42.

Referring to FIG. 8, the gamer then moves the base game wager 60 to the BANKER bet area 28. The gaming system 10, in this example, highlights the BANKER payout ratios 63 b and 63 c of levels 40 and 42, respectively. Also, the gaming system 10 dims the PLAYER payout ratios 61 b and 61 c of levels 40 and 42, respectively.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the dealer deals cards 80 to the PLAYER card areas 24, and the dealer deals cards 78 to the BANKER card area 30. According to the Baccarat rules, in this example, the BANKER wins. Therefore, the Baccarat game pays the base game award 82 to the gamer. According to the 3.18 to 1 BANKER payout ratio 63 b of level 40, the streak game pays the gamer a three dollar and eighteen cent streak game award 84. This payout 84 during the course of the streak game 54 illustrates the pay-as-you-go award system of this embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the gaming system 10 then clears the cards from the card areas, the gamer removes the gamer's winnings, and the gamer moves the gamer's base game bet 60 from BANKER bet area 28 to the PLAYER bet area 22. In addition, the gaming system 10 provides an additional increase to both the PLAYER payout ratio 61 c and the BANKER payout ratio 63 c because the gamer's base game wager is on PLAYER. The gaming system 10 also highlights the PLAYER payout ratio 61 c and dims the BANKER payout ratio 63 c because the gamer's base game wager 60 is on PLAYER. At level 42, the PLAYER payout ratio 61 c remains higher than the BANKER payout ratio 63 c. The BANKER payout ratio 63 c indicates to the gamer what the potential award for the highest streak level 42 could be if the gamer were to change his/her base game bet back to the BANKER bet area 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the dealer deals a plurality of cards 36 to the PLAYER card area 24, and the dealer deals a plurality of cards 88 to the BANKER card area 30. According to the rules of Baccarat, the PLAYER role wins, and the gamer wins because the gamer bet on the PLAYER role. Since the gamer bet on the PLAYER role, the gaming system 10 uses the PLAYER payout ratio 61 c of level 42 in the streak game 54, as indicated in FIG. 10. Accordingly, the streak game 54 pays the gamer an eight dollar and eighty-one cent streak game award 90, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Additionally, the gamer is now permitted to withdraw or modify the side bet wager 62. As indicated in the bonus display 92, the cumulative streak game has awarded the gamer a total bonus award 91 equal to thirteen dollars and five cents (one dollar and six cents plus three dollars and eighteen cents plus eight dollars and eight-one cents) in addition to permitting the gamer to withdraw or modify the side bet wager 62. If the gamer elects to keep the side bet wager 62 in place as is, or to modify the side bet wager 62 by placing a larger or smaller total amount, this will initiate a new streak bet series on the next game. As illustrated in FIG. 12, after the gamer receives the total bonus award 91, the gaming system then removes the cards and resets the streak game to the original PLAYER payout ratios 56 and BANKER payout ratios 58 illustrated in FIG. 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12 the gamer has removed all winnings and, for the moment, is keeping both the base game bet 60 and side bet 62 in place as is.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2-12, if the gamer removes the streak bet 62 prior to the start of the next game, the gaming system 10 deactivates the streak game 54. Also, if the gamer incorrectly predicts a base game outcome or if the base outcome is a TIE, the gaming system 10 terminates the streak game 54.

In the examples set forth above, the side game 14 and streak game 54 each include four levels. It should be appreciated that the gaming system 10 can include any suitable number of levels. With the example of four levels, since the gamer can bet on PLAYER or BANKER on each of the possible four hands, there are sixteen possible pay schedules for a full streak series. The tables set forth in FIGS. 13 and 14 show the award values which would be paid for each of the successful series. These tables also demonstrate that the ERR or RTP varies from series to series by zero point three seven percent or less. The premium rate column provided in such tables sets forth the boost amount described above with respect for FIG. 1.

In the examples described above, the payout rate or award value for the inferior role is increased relative to the payout rate or award value for the superior role. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming system 10 decreases the payout rate or award value for the superior role to compensate for the higher win probability for the superior role.

In the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1-14, the gaming system 10 adjusts the award values of the side game to compensate for the win probability of the inferior role being smaller than the win probability of the superior role. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-22, the gaming system 100 accomplishes this compensation using another method. In such embodiment, the gaming system 100 implements a set of side game advance rules which provides the inferior and superior roles with asymmetric advance conditions. The gaming system 100 involves: (a) applying a greater advance probability of the inferior role to the lower win probability of the inferior role; and (b) applying a lower advance probability of the superior role to the higher win probability of the superior role. As a result, the rule advance probabilities of the inferior and superior roles have a relatively low variation and vary within a suitable range. Consequently, the ERR of the side game 102 varies within a suitable range despite the gamer switching between inferior and superior roles.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-22, the gaming system 100, in one embodiment, includes the base game 12, as described above, and a side game 102. The side game 102 includes a plurality of levels 104, 106, 108 and 110. In the illustrated example, the side game 102 implements advance rule set 111, which includes inferior advance rule 111 a (Rule 1.1) and superior advance rule 111 b (Rule 1.2). The gaming system 100 interchangeably implements rules 111 a and 111 b during the side game 102 depending upon whether the gamer selects inferior role 16 or superior role 18.

Referring to the table provided in FIG. 16, the gaming system 100 implements rule 111 a if the gamer bets on the inferior role 16, such as PLAYER in Baccarat. If the gamer bets on the superior role 18, such as BANKER in Baccarat, the gaming system 100 implements rule 111 b. Rule 111 a has an inferior advance probability 113. The inferior advance probability 113 is a mathematical function of, and is dependent upon: (a) the inferior win probability 20 (WPI); and (b) the probability that the gamer, while betting on the inferior role, will reach a TIE in the base game 12, referred to as the inferior tie probability 115 (TPI).

Rule 111 b has a superior advance probability 117. The superior advance probability 117 is a mathematical function of, and is dependent upon: (a) the superior win probability 26 (WPS); and (b) the probability that the gamer, while betting on the superior role, will reach a TIE in the base game 12, referred to as the superior tie probability 119 (TPS).

In one example of a Baccarat embodiment, The differences or asymmetry between the rules 111 a and 111 b of Rule Set 1 compensate, at least partially, for the inferior role 16 (i.e., PLAYER) having a lower win probability 20 than the win probability 26 of the superior role 18 (i.e., BANKER). Accordingly, referring to FIG. 16, the rule advance probabilities 113 and 117 of the PLAYER and BANKER roles are the same, substantially the same or otherwise vary within a suitable range despite the gamer switching between PLAYER and BANKER during a series of consecutive plays.

In one of the Baccarat embodiments, the variable which is different between the inferior and superior rules is the consequence of a TIE between the PLAYER and BANKER. In the event of a TIE, the gaming system 100 can perform an advance or a stand. The inferior and superior rules incorporate different consequences of such a TIE.

In one embodiment, the rule advance probabilities are determined according to the following mathematical method:

p(ladderAdvance(guess))=p(baseGameWin(guess))+p(tieRuleAdvance(guess))

p(ladderStand(guess))=p(tieRuleStand(guess))

p(ladderLoss(guess))=100%−p(ladderAdvance(guess))−p(ladderStand(guess))

-   -   where p(x) means “probability of x occurring”     -   where f(guess) is a function of the gamer's guess either being         PLAYER or BANKER         For the ERR of guess=PLAYER to not vary by a certain amount         relative to the EPP of guess=BANKER, then the following four         values cannot all be 0:     -   p(tieRuleAdvance(PLAYER))     -   p(tieRuleAdvance(BANKER))     -   p(tieRuleStand(PLAYER))     -   p(tieRuleStand(BANKER))

For example, a rule set may be defined, in one embodiment, where the streak level never stands and therefore p(tieRuleStand(PLAYER))=p(tieRuleStand(BANKER))=0. in such case, either p(tieRuleAdvance(PLAYER)) or p(tieRuleAdvance(BANKER)) or both p(tieRuleAdvance(PLAYER)) or p(tieRuleAdvance(BANKER)) must be non-zero. In this specific case, if p(tieRuleAdvance(PLAYER)) and p(tieRuleAdvance(BANKER)) are both non-zero then (tieRuleAdvance(PLAYER)) would be greater than p(tieRuleAdvance(BANKER)) in order to compensate for the fact that p(baseGameWin(PLAYER) is less than p(baseGameWin(BANKER)).

In another Baccarat example illustrated in FIG. 17, the gaming system 100 implements Rule Set 2 instead of the Rule Set 1 illustrated in FIG. 16. As shown in the table of FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the gaming system 100 implements rule 121 a if the gamer bets on the inferior role 16, such as PLAYER in Baccarat. If the gamer bets on the superior role 18, such as BANKER in Baccarat, the gaming system 100 implements rule 121 b. Rule 121 a has an inferior advance probability 123. The inferior advance probability 123 is a mathematical function of, and is dependent upon: (a) the inferior win probability 20 (WPI); and (b) the probability that the gamer, while betting on the inferior role, will reach a TIE in the base game 12, referred to as the inferior tie probability 115 (TPI).

Rule 121 b has a superior advance probability 125. The superior advance probability 125 is a mathematical function of, and is dependent upon: (a) the superior win probability 26 (WPS); and (b) the probability that the gamer, while betting on the superior role, will reach a TIE in the base game 12, referred to as the superior tie probability 119 (TPS). The rule advance probabilities 123 and 125 of the PLAYER and BANKER roles are the same, substantially the same or otherwise vary within a suitable range despite the gamer switching between PLAYER and BANKER during a series of consecutive plays.

In the example use of Rule Set 2 shown in FIG. 17, such rules only result in a streak advancement or a streak loss. This rule set does not cause the Hot Streak bets to stand or stay in place.

Using rule 121 a of Rule Set 2, for a guess of PLAYER, the Hot Streak level advances if the outcome is a PLAYER win, or if there is a TIE of value one or greater. For all other outcomes for the PLAYER role, all Hot Streak bets for that gamer are forfeited to the casino.

Using rule 121 b of Rule Set 2, for a guess of BANKER, the Hot Streak level advances if the outcome is a BANKER win, or if there is a TIE of value four or greater. For all other outcomes for the BANKER role, all Hot Streak bets for that gamer are forfeited to the casino.

For example, in a multiplayer game, gamer A has guesses on PLAYER, and gamer B has guesses on BANKER. The outcome of the base game is a TIE, so each of the PLAYER and BANKER hands has a value of two. In this example, gamer A's one or more Hot Streak bets would advance because a TIE of two is greater than or equal to the required TIE threshold value of one for a PLAYER guess. Gamer B's one or more Hot Streak bets would all be lost because a TIE of two is less than the required TIE threshold value of four for a BANKER guess.

The table I set forth below depicts the mathematical method behind this Rule 2.1 and 2.2 rule set, showing that the probability of an advance is equal or substantially equal. In this example, the probability of advance for the PLAYER role is 53.56%, and the probability of advance for the BANKER role is 53.54%.

TABLE I Rule Set B PLAYER guess BANKER guess Probability Adv Stay Forfeit Adv Stay Forfeit THE VALUE 0 0.580% 0.580% 0.580% 1 0.410% 0.410% 0.410% 2 0.400% 0.400% 0.400% 3 0.445% 0.445% 0.445% 4 0.726% 0.726% 0.726% 5 0.794% 0.794% 0.794% 6 1.924% 1.924% 1.924% 7 2.035% 2.035% 2.035% 8 1.098% 1.098% 1.098% 9 1.103% 1.103% 1.103%  8.94%  0.58%  7.68%  1.84% p(advance PLAYER) = p(win) + p(tie >= 1) p(advance PLAYER) = 44.62% + 8.94% = 53.56% p(advance BANKER) = p(win) + p(tie >= 4) p(advance BANKER) = 44.86% + 7.68% = 53.54%

In one embodiment, the gaming system 100 is configured to implement different rule sets depending on different factors or conditions. For example, depending upon the embodiment, the gaming system 100 can change from implementing Rule Set 1 (shown in FIG. 16) to Rule Set 2 (shown in FIG. 17) upon the occurrence of: (a) an advance from one level to another level in the side game 102; (b) the expiration of a designated period of time during the play of the side game 102; (c) the gamer's wagering of a designated amount of a wager in the base game 12 or side game 102; or (d) any other designated game event, input or outcome.

Referring to FIG. 18, which illustrates an implementation of Rule Set 1, in one pay-as-you-go example, the gamer places a base game wager 120 on the inferior role bet area 22, and the gamer places a side game wager 122 on the side game bet area 34. Applying the outcome comparison rules of the base game, the inferior role receives a win 124 against loss 126 of the superior role. As a result, the gaming system 100 provides the gamer with a one dollar base game award 128 and indicates or highlights level 104 of the side game 102. In this example, the highlighting is signified by the dotted circle on level 104 in FIG. 18.

The gamer then advances to level 106, though not illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the gamer performs another play as the inferior role 16 while at level 106. The result is a win 129 for the inferior role and a loss 130 for the superior role. The gaming system 100 pays the gamer a base game award 131 and a side game award 133 according to the pay-as-you-go method.

Then, the gaming system 100 indicates or highlights level 108 of the side game 102, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Continuing with the next consecutive play, the gamer moves the base game wager 120 to the superior role bet area 28, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Applying the base game rules results in a win 132 for the superior role and a loss 134 for the inferior role. Gaming system 100 provides the gamer with a base game award 136. In addition, gaming system 100 provides the gamer with the side game award 135, according to the pay-as-you-go method.

Next, the gaming system 100 indicates or highlights level 110 of the side game 102, as illustrated in FIG. 21. Gaming system 100 applies superior advance rule 111 b to determine whether the gamer advances to level 110. In this example, the rule 111 b permits the gamer to advance to level 110, as a illustrated in FIG. 21. At this point, the gaming system 100 pays the gamer a base game award 140. Also, the gaming system 100 pays the gamer a side game award 137 according to the pay-as-you-go method and the side game makes the side game wager available to the gamer to withdraw or to freely apply to any future wagering such as rewagering on the side game. Then, the side game 102 ends and is reset.

In one embodiment not shown, the gaming system enables the gamer to have two or more side game bets in play at the same time. When a gamer earns a streak level advancement, the gamer's streak bets are physically or virtually moved with the streak level. This allows the gamer to place a new streak wager that would start at the bottom of a new streak proposition. The gamer may place a new wager after every main game play. If the main game play provides a correct gamer guess, then all streak wagers would ascend to the next streak level. If the main game play provides an incorrect guess, then all streak wagers would be forfeit to the casino.

In one embodiment, the gaming system 100 supports pay-at-end game rules, wherein the gaming system 100 pays the gamer a side game award 137 only when the gamer reaches the 4 Level 110. In one embodiment, the gaming system 100 supports pay-when-over or pay-at-end game rules, wherein the gaming system 100: (a) pays the gamer a side game award 137 when the gamer reaches the 4 Level 110, or pays a smaller side game award after the gamer reaches the 3 Level 108 and then ends the streak with an incorrect main game guess; or (b) pays an even smaller side game award after the gamer reaches the 2 Level 106 and then ends the streak with an incorrect main game guess, thereby paying, at most, a single side game award for any given side bet.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the gaming system 101 includes the base game 12 and the side game 103. The side game 103 has the same function as side game 102 except that side game 103 has six levels 139, 141, 143, 145, 147 and 149. Level 139 is associated with no payout. Level 141 has a payout ratio of 1 for every 2 wager units wagered, which can alternately be expressed as payout ratio of 1/2 for every 1 wager units wagers. Level 143 has a payout ratio of 1 for every 1 wager unit wagered. Level 145 has a payout ratio of 2 for every 1 wager unit wagered. Level 147 has a payout ratio of 5 for every 1 wager unit wagered. Level 149 has a payout ratio of 10 for every 1 wager unit wagered. In one embodiment, the gaming system 101 displays or otherwise indicates such payout ratios to the gamers, and such payout rations remain unchanged throughout the sequential plays.

In one embodiment, the gaming systems 10, 100 and 101 each enable each gamer to place an additional side or streak wager for each successive play of the main game. Each additional streak wager is eligible to advance upward through the side game (side game 14 in the case of gaming system 10, side game 102 in the case of gaming system 100, and side game 103 in the case of gaming system 101). Accordingly, the gaming systems 10, 100 and 101 enable multiple side wagers to advance upward along different levels of the side game at the same time.

It should be appreciated that there are many types of suitable rule or condition differences which can be implemented to define different rule advance probabilities for the BANKER role and dealer role in Baccarat. In one embodiment, the condition or rule differences relate to how ties are evaluated, as described above. There are a plurality of different suitable options for the tie rules. In Baccarat, for the gamer's given guess on the BANKER or PLAYER, and for a specific TIE value (0, 1, . . . 9), the following actions can be defined:

-   -   (a) one or more streak bets result in an advance to a next         level;     -   (b) one or more streak bets result in a stay at a current level;         or     -   (c) one or more streak bets result in a forfeiture of the streak         wager.

In one embodiment, a secondary outcome is used in certain conditions to determine a streak action. In one embodiment, in the case of a TIE, a secondary outcome is generated such as the outcome of a spin of the wheel or the outcome of one or more dice, or the outcome of a card drawn from the deck, or an outcome generated by a computerized device, or any suitable means of random or pseudo-random outcome generation.

In one 8 deck of cards embodiment, in the case of a TIE, a 30-sided die, also known as a triantakohedron die, is rolled or thrown or otherwise manipulated in order to select one of the 30 sides as the outcome, where the numbers on the sides are the integers 1 through 30 inclusively. If the gamer guesses PLAYER and the die outcome is 7 or higher, the streak is advanced. If the gamer guesses PLAYER and the die outcome is 6 or lower, the streak ends, and the streak bets are forfeit. If the gamer guesses BANKER and the die outcome is 11 or higher, the streak is advanced. If the gamer guesses BANKER and the die outcome is 10 or lower, the streak ends and the streak bets are forfeit.

In the previous example, the probability of a streak advance when the gamer guesses PLAYER is determined as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{p\left( {{PLAYER}\mspace{14mu} {guess}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} = {{p\left( {{PLAYER}\mspace{14mu} {win}} \right)} +}} \\ {{{p({TIE})}*{p\left( {{die} > 6} \right)}}} \\ {= {{44.62\%} + {9.52\%*{\left( {30 - 6} \right)/30}}}} \\ {= {52.23\%}} \end{matrix}$

and the probability of a streak advance when the gamer guesses BANKER is determined as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{p\left( {{BANKER}\mspace{14mu} {guess}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} = {{p\left( {{BANKER}\mspace{14mu} {win}} \right)} +}} \\ {{{p({TIE})}*{p\left( {{die} > 10} \right)}}} \\ {= {{44.86\%} + {9.52\%*{\left( {30 - 10} \right)/30}}}} \\ {{= {52.20\%}},} \end{matrix}$

thereby making the probability of a streak advance the same, 52.2%, when rounded to one tenth of one percent, irrespective of whether gamer selects PLAYER or BANKER. The derivation of numeric values for p(PLAYER win), p(BANKER win) and p(TIE) is shown below.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the rules are defined to take into account the number of cards in the final hand of the BANKER role or PLAYER role.

In one example, a first play of Baccarat is based on playing cards dealt from a shuffled eight deck shoe of cards, which imply the following probabilities for the possible outcomes set forth in Table II below:

TABLE II PLAYER total 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BANKER total 0 0.580% 0.493% 0.484% 0.475% 0.493% 0.505% 1.148% 1.167% 1.764% 1.768% 1 0.486% 0.410% 0.402% 0.393% 0.411% 0.423% 0.980% 0.999% 1.211% 1.213% 2 0.484% 0.410% 0.400% 0.391% 0.409% 0.421% 0.978% 0.996% 1.207% 1.208% 3 0.539% 0.464% 0.456% 0.445% 0.411% 0.422% 0.980% 1.000% 1.294% 1.267% 4 0.921% 0.812% 0.772% 0.763% 0.726% 0.687% 1.031% 0.997% 1.290% 1.345% 5 0.924% 0.815% 0.858% 0.903% 0.836% 0.794% 1.139% 1.106% 1.347% 1.349% 6 0.973% 0.812% 0.856% 0.900% 0.916% 0.929% 1.924% 1.899% 1.448% 1.451% 7 1.082% 0.921% 0.911% 0.903% 0.920% 0.933% 2.018% 2.035% 1.559% 1.561% 8 1.702% 1.156% 1.144% 1.138% 1.153% 1.167% 1.560% 1.582% 1.098% 1.104% 9 1.708% 1.159% 1.148% 1.141% 1.156% 1.171% 1.565% 1.587% 1.106% 1.103%

Based on the outcomes set forth in Table II, the probability of a PLAYER win is calculated as follows:

TABLE III PLAYER total 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BANKER total 0 0.493% 0.484% 0.475% 0.493% 0.505% 1.148% 1.167% 1.764% 1.768% 1 0.402% 0.393% 0.411% 0.423% 0.980% 0.999% 1.211% 1.213% 2 0.391% 0.409% 0.421% 0.978% 0.996% 1.207% 1.208% 3 0.411% 0.422% 0.980% 1.000% 1.294% 1.267% 4 0.687% 1.031% 0.997% 1.290% 1.345% 5 1.139% 1.106% 1.347% 1.349% 6 1.899% 1.448% 1.451% 7 1.559% 1.561% 8 1.104% 9 0.00%  0.49%  0.89%  1.26%  1.72%  2.46%  6.26%  8.16% 11.12% 12.27% p(PLAYER) = 44.62%

Based on the outcomes set forth in Table II, the probability for BANKER win is calculated as follows:

TABLE IV BANKER total 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BANKER total 0 1 0.486% 2 0.484% 0.410% 3 0.539% 0.464% 0.456% 4 0.921% 0.812% 0.772% 0.763% 5 0.924% 0.815% 0.858% 0.903% 0.836% 6 0.973% 0.812% 0.856% 0.900% 0.916% 0.929% 7 1.082% 0.921% 0.911% 0.903% 0.920% 0.933% 2.018% 8 1.702% 1.156% 1.144% 1.138% 1.153% 1.167% 1.560% 1.582% 9 1.708% 1.159% 1.148% 1.141% 1.156% 1.171% 1.565% 1.587% 1.106%  8.82%  6.55%  6.14%  5.75%  4.98%  4.20%  5.14%  3.17% 1.111% 0.00% p(BANKER) = 45.86%

Based on the outcomes set forth in Table II, the probability for a TIE is calculated as follows:

TABLE V PLAYER total 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BANKER total 0 0.580% 1 0.410% 2 0.400% 3 0.445% 4 0.726% 5 0.794% 6 1.924% 7 2.035% 8 1.098% 9 1.103%  0.58%  0.41%  0.40%  0.45%  0.73%  0.79%  1.92%  2.04%  1.10%  1.10% p(BANKER) = 9.52%

In a streak proposition where a given outcome can only result in a side bet advancing or being forfeited, the probability of getting to the n^(th) step is as follows: p(n^(th) step)=[p(advance)]^(n).

In a streak proposition where a given outcome can result in the side bet advancing, staying in place, or being forfeited, the probability of getting to the n^(th) step is as follows: p(n^(th) step)=[p(advance)/(1−p(stand))]^(n).

The foregoing is derived as follows:

(1) Any of the following sequence of events will lead to the next step:

-   -   a) Advance     -   b) Stand, Advance     -   c) Stand, Stand, Advance     -   . . .     -   d) Stand, Stand, . . . , Stand, Advance

(2) The derivation is as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{p\left( {{BANKER}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} = {{p\left( {{BANKER}\mspace{14mu} {win}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} +}} \\ {{p\left( {{BANKER}\mspace{14mu} {tie}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)}} \\ {= {{45.86\%} + {6.95\%}}} \\ {= {52.81\%}} \end{matrix}$

Because of the known solution for an infinite geometric series,

${{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{\infty}r^{k}} = \frac{1}{1 - r}},$

the series [1+p(stand)+p(stand)̂2+ . . . +p(stand)k+ . . . ] as [1/(1−p(stand))] can be expressed and, therefore:

$\begin{matrix} {{p\left( {{next}\mspace{14mu} {step}} \right)} = {{p({advance})} + {{p({stand})}*{p({advance})}} +}} \\ {{{{p({stand})}^{2}*{p({advance})}} + \ldots +}} \\ {{{p({stand})}^{k*}{p({advance})}\mspace{14mu} \ldots}} \\ {= {{p({advance})}*\begin{bmatrix} {1 + {p({stand})} + {{p({stand})}^{\bigwedge}2} + \ldots +} \\ {{p({stand})}^{k} + \ldots} \end{bmatrix}}} \end{matrix}$

p(n ^(th) step)=p(next step)^(n) =[p(advance)/(1−p(stand))]^(n)

Table VI set forth below represents the rules used for the embodiment which implements Rule 2.1 and Rule 2.2 set forth in FIG. 17. Many other suitable rules assignments can be used for likewise making the probability of upward or ladder advancement approximately equal whether PLAYER or BANKER is selected.

TABLE VI PLAYER guess BANKER guess Probability Adv Stay Forfeit Adv Stay Forfeit THE VALUE 0 0.580% 0.580% 0.580% 1 0.410% 0.410% 0.410% 2 0.400% 0.400% 0.400% 3 0.445% 0.445% 0.445% 4 0.726% 0.726% 0.726% 5 0.794% 0.794% 0.794% 6 1.924% 1.924% 1.924% 7 2.035% 2.035% 2.035% 8 1.098% 1.098% 1.098% 9 1.103% 1.103% 1.103%  9.52%  6.95%  2.56%

In one embodiment, the following method is used to calculate sequence advancement probabilities:

 = p(advance) * [1/(1p(stand))] = p(advance)/(1 − p(stand))

p(PLAYER stay)=0%

p(PLAYER next step)=54.14%/(1−0)=54.14%

$\begin{matrix} {{p\left( {{PLAYER}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} = {{p\left( {{PLAYER}\mspace{14mu} {win}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)} +}} \\ {{p\left( {{PLAYER}\mspace{14mu} {tie}\mspace{14mu} {advance}} \right)}} \\ {= {{44.62\%} + 9.52}} \\ {= {54.14\%}} \end{matrix}$ p(BANKER stay)=2.56%

p(BANKER next step)=54.14%/(100%−2.56%)=54.20%

Applying the following paytable results in a maximum difference in ERR or RTP of less than half of a percent, as shown in the following table:

TABLE VII All PLAYER guesses All BANKER guesses Award Prob Odds RTP Prob Odds RTP Step 1 54.14% 1.85 — 54.20% 1.84 — 2 0.5 29.31% 3.41 14.66% 29.38% 3.40 14.69% 3 1 15.87% 6.30 15.87% 15.92% 6.28 15.92% 4 2 8.59% 11.64 17.18% 8.63% 11.59 17.26% 5 5 4.65% 21.50 23.26% 4.68% 21.38 23.39% 6 10 2.52% 39.71 25.18% 2.54% 39.44 25.36% 96.15% 96.62%

For these set of rules, a number of suitable paytables can be defined, including, without limitation, the following:

TABLE VIII Pay Pay Pay Pay Pay Pay Pay Pay Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Step 1 0.5 2 1 1 0.5 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 0.5 1 4 3 1 1 2 2 4 0.5 7 5 7 8 1 5 4 8 6 1 10 10 7 21 ERR_(HI) 90.5% 91.4% 90.0% 96.6% 91.9% 95.8% 91.5% 91.0% ERR_(LO) 90.1% 91.0% 89.6% 96.1% 91.5% 95.4% 91.2% 90.7%

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23-34, the gaming system 300 implements a pay-at-end award method. In this embodiment, the gaming system 300 includes the base game 52 illustrated in FIG. 2. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 23-34, the base game 52 is based on Baccarat. The gaming system 300 also includes a side or streak game 302. The streak game 302 includes a streak game paytable 304; a streak bet area 306; and a plurality of levels 308, 310, 312, and 314.

In this embodiment, the streak game 302 provides different streak game awards to the gamer depending upon which particular streak outcome the gamer obtains. For example, at the end of a series of five consecutively correct base game guesses, the gamer will have received one of the following outcome series: (a) a streak outcome 318 of all (in this example, four) consecutive BANKER wins; (b) a streak outcome 320 of four consecutively correct guesses, three of which are BANKER wins and one of which is a PLAYER win; (c) a streak outcome 322 of four consecutively correct guesses, two of which are PLAYER wins and two of which are BANKER wins; (d) a streak outcome 324 of four consecutively correct guesses, three of which PLAYER wins and one of which is a BANKER win; or (e) a streak outcome 326 of all (in this example, four) consecutive PLAYER wins. The outcomes 318, 320, 322, 324 and 326 are associated with wager multipliers 328, 330, 332, 334, and 336, respectively.

In one example illustrated in FIGS. 24-29, the gamer places a base game wager 338 on the BANKER bet area 28, and the gamer places a streak game wager 340 on the streak bet area 306. In this example, the streak game wager 340 is five dollars. As illustrated, the gaming system 300 multiplies the five dollars by each multiplier 328, 330, 332, 334 and 336, resulting in potential payouts 342, 344, 346, 348 and 350, respectively. However, since the initial bet is on the BANKER, streak outcome 326 (and corresponding payout 350) are not available because it would no longer be possible to receive an all PLAYER winning streak. In this example, the gaming system 300 highlights or indicates the streak outcomes which remain available, as indicated in the figures with a dotted rectangle.

Continuing with this example, the BANKER wins the first play as illustrated in FIG. 25. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 352 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates a streak lamer or marker 354 at level 308, as illustrated in FIG. 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the gamer keeps the wager 338 on the BANKER for the next consecutive play. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcomes 318, 320 and 322 are available. In this play, the BANKER wins again. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 356 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates the streak lamer or marker 354 at level 310, as illustrated in FIG. 27.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the gamer keeps the wager 338 on the BANKER for the next consecutive play. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcomes 318 and 320 are available. In this play, the BANKER wins again. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 358 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates the streak lamer or marker 354 at level 312, as illustrated in FIG. 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the gamer keeps the wager 338 on the BANKER for the next consecutive play. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcome 318 is available. In this play, the BANKER wins again. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 360 to the gamer. Since the gamer has reached the uppermost level 314 based on all BANKER wins, the gaming system 300 pays the gamer the streak game award 362, which is equal to the payout 342 ($100 or $5×20.00).

In another example series illustrated in FIGS. 30-34, the streak paytable 304 sets forth payouts 329, 331, 333, 335 and 337 which correspond to streak outcomes 318, 320, 322, 324 and 326, respectively. The gamer initially bets base game wager 338 on PLAYER. The gamer also places a steak game wager 341 on the streak bet area 306. Since the initial base game wager 338 is on the PLAYER, streak outcome 318 (and corresponding payout 329) are not available because it would no longer be possible to receive an all BANKER winning streak. As in the above example, the gaming system 300 highlights or indicates the streak outcomes which remain available, as indicated in the figures with a dotted rectangle.

Continuing with this example, the PLAYER wins the first play as illustrated in FIG. 31. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 364 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates the streak lamer or marker 354 at level 308, as illustrated in FIG. 31.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the gamer moves the wager 338 to the BANKER for the next consecutive play. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcomes 320, 322 and 324 are available. In this play, the BANKER wins. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 366 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates the streak lamer or marker 354 at level 310, as illustrated in FIG. 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 33, for the next consecutive play, the gamer keeps the bet on the BANKER but increases the wager amount to main game wager 368. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcomes 322 and 324 are available. In this play, the BANKER wins. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 370 to the gamer, and the gaming system 300 indicates the streak lamer or marker 354 at level 312, as illustrated in FIG. 33.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, the gamer moves the main game wager 368 to PLAYER for the next consecutive play. As a result, the gaming system 300 now indicates that only streak outcome 322 is available. In this play, the PLAYER wins. The gaming system 300 pays the base game award 372 to the gamer. By the time the gamer reached the uppermost level 314, the gamer's streak consisted of two PLAYER wins (and therefore two BANKER wins as well). Accordingly, the gaming system 300 pays the gamer the streak game award 374, which is equal to the payout 333 ($22.20).

In one embodiment, if the gamer bets on PLAYER, and the outcome is BANKER win, the base game and streak game wagers are all forfeited to the casino. In one embodiment, if gamer bets on PLAYER and the outcome is a TIE, the base game wager pushes, and the streak game wager is forfeited to the casino.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 35-46, the gaming system 400 implements a pay-at-end award method. In this embodiment, the gaming system 400 includes the base game 52 illustrated in FIG. 2. As in the example illustrated in FIGS. 23-34, the base game 52 is based on Baccarat. The gaming system 400 also includes a side or streak game 402. The streak game 402 includes a streak game paytable 404; a streak bet area 406; and a plurality of levels 408, 410, 412, and 414.

In this embodiment, the streak game 402 provides different streak game awards to the gamer depending upon which particular streak outcome the gamer obtains. The streak game 402 includes a array of streak advance positions arranged in the shape of an inverted pyramid. Level 408 has two advance positions labeled as “1.” Level 410 has three advance positions labeled as “2.” Level 412 has four advance positions labeled as “3.” Level 414 has five advance positions labeled as “4.” For each advance position, the gamer can advance: (a) left and upward; or (b) right and upward, as indicated by the left and right arrows.

Because the BANKER role is associated with a higher win probability (as described above), a win on the BANKER advances the gamer to the left because the wager multipliers 416 are lower at the left. Because the PLAYER role is associated with a lower win probability (as described above), a win on the PLAYER advances the gamer to the right because the wager multipliers 416 are higher at the right. Specifically, in one embodiment, the objective is to reduce the difference to a commercially acceptable amount, between ERR for BANKER guesses and ERR for PLAYER guesses. The increase in award amounts for PLAYER guesses is meant to compensate for the lower probability of a PLAYER win, thus better equalizing ERR, which can be expressed as the product of TotalAwardPaid×ProbabilityOfOccurance, where TotalAwardPaid is the sum of all awards paid to the gamer as well as the amount of the original wager.

In the first play illustrated in FIG. 36, the gamer initially places a base game wager 418 on the BANKER, and the gamer places a streak game wager 420 on the streak bet area 306. In this example, the BANKER wins. As a result, the gaming system 400 pays the gamer the base game award 422. The gaming system 400 also advances the streak game wager 420 to the left and upward to position 424 of level 408.

For the next consecutive play illustrated in FIG. 38, the gamer keeps the base game wager 418 on the BANKER. This time, the gamer adds a streak game wager 426 to the streak game. As illustrated in FIG. 39, the BANKER wins, resulting in base game award 428. The gaming system 400 also performs the following advances: (a) streak game wager 420 is advanced to the left and upward to position 430 of level 410; and (b) streak game wager 426 is advanced to the left and upward to position 424 of level 408. Both of these advances were performed to the left and upward because the gamer had bet on the BANKER.

For the next consecutive play illustrated in FIG. 40, the gamer moves the base game wager 418 to the PLAYER. This time, the gamer does not add a streak game wager to the streak game. In an alternate embodiment not show, the gamer is required to place a new streak game wager on every opportunity to do so if the game wishes to play the main game. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the PLAYER wins, resulting in base game award 432. The gaming system 400 also performs the following advances: (a) streak game wager 420 is advanced to the right and upward to position 434 of level 412; and (b) streak game wager 426 is advanced to the right and upward to position 436 of level 410. Both of these advances were performed to the right and upward because the gamer had bet on the PLAYER.

For the next consecutive play illustrated in FIG. 42, the gamer places a new base game wager 438 on PLAYER. This time, the gamer adds a streak game wager 440 to the streak game. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the PLAYER wins, resulting in base game award 442. The gaming system 400 also performs the following advances: (a) streak game wager 420 is advanced to the right and upward to position 444 of level 414; (b) streak game wager 426 is advanced to the right and upward to position 446 of level 412; and (c) streak game wager 440 is advanced to the right and upward to position 448 of level 408 Each of these three advances is performed to the right and upward because the gamer had bet on the PLAYER. Since the streak award 420 reached the uppermost level 414, the gaming system 400 pays the player a payout 445 in the amount of $21.20 ($1×21.20), and the gaming system 400 returns the corresponding $1 wager from its final position 444 to the gamer. In one embodiment, the gaming system 400 moves the winnings and returned wager to a location not shown that is closer to the gamer such that the gamer is not required to, nor permitted to, reach over and access any live streak bets. In some electronic embodiments, the gaming system 400 directly increases the gamer's balance relative to the winnings and return wager earned.

For the next consecutive play illustrated in FIG. 44, the gamer keeps the base game wager 438 on PLAYER. This time, the gamer adds a streak game wager 450 to the streak game. As illustrated in FIG. 45, the PLAYER wins, resulting in base game award 452. The gaming system 400 also performs the following advances: (a) streak game wager 426 is advanced to the right and upward to position 444 of level 414; (b) streak game wager 440 is advanced to the right and upward to position 454 of level 410; and (c) streak game wager 450 is advanced to the right and upward to position 456 of level 408 Each of these three advances is performed to the right and upward because the gamer had bet on the PLAYER. Since the streak award 426 reached the uppermost level 414, the gaming system 400 pays the player a payout 447 in the amount of $109 ($5×21.80) and the gaming system 400 returns the corresponding $5 wager from its final position 426 to the gamer.

This streak game continues until a termination event occurs. Depending upon the embodiment, a termination event can be: (a) the gamer removing all streak game wagers; (b) the gamer reaching a TIE or loss, ending the streak game; (c) the gamer removing all streak game wagers as permitted by the game system rules, (d) the gamer opting to receive a payment of a certain amount for each streak game wager in exchange for forfeiting the corresponding streak game wager or (e) any other designated event.

For the examples illustrated in FIGS. 35-44, the table IX set forth below provides the outcomes, probabilities, odds and ERR or RTP. Consistent with such examples, this table IX provides the outcomes based on the rule that: (a) the streak advances only on a win by the gamer; and (b) the streak ends upon a TIE or loss.

TABLE IX Streak Advance on Win only/Streak Over on Tie on Loss Base Win # PLAYER Win Total Total 4 Correct Guesses with: Amount Guesses Premium Win Play Probability Odds RTP No PLAYER Guesses $20.00 0 $0.00 $20.00 $21.00 4.423% 22.6:1 92.9% One PLAYER Guesses ″ 1 $0.60 $21.60 $21.60 4.304% 23.2:1 93.0% Two PLAYER Guesses ″ 2 $1.20 $21.20 $22.20 4.188% 23.9:1 93.0% Three PLAYER Guesses ″ 3 $1.80 $21.80 $22.80 4.075% 24.5:1 92.9% All PLAYER Guesses ″ 4 $2.40 $22.40 $23.40 3.965% 25.2:1 92.8%

In an another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 46 and table X set forth below, the rule of streak game 405 applies: (a) the streak advances on all wins and on all TIES; and (b) the streak ends on a loss. In this embodiment, the award multipliers 458 are each a percentage (in this example, 2.5%) of the base total pay. The base total pay is the total win plus the wager returned. Table X provides the outcomes, probabilities, odds and ERR or RTP for such embodiment.

TABLE X Streak Advance on Win or Tie/Streak Over on Loss Base Win # PLAYER Win Total Total 4 Correct Guesses with: Amount Guesses Premium Win Play Probability Odds RTP No PLAYER Guesses $9.00 0 $0.00 $9.00 $10.00 9.403% 10.6:1 94.0% One PLAYER Guesses ″ 1 $0.25 $9.25 $10.25 9.193% 10.9:1 94.2% Two PLAYER Guesses ″ 2 $0.50 $9.50 $10.50 8.988% 11.1:1 94.4% Three PLAYER Guesses ″ 3 $0.75 $9.75 $10.75 8.788% 11.4:1 94.5% All PLAYER Guesses ″ 4 $1.00 $10.00 $11.00 8.592% 11.6:1 94.5%

As described above, in one embodiment, Baccarat is the base game 12. Baccarat is a card-based game which can be played by multiple garners at the same time. The play of conventional Baccarat includes a single PLAYER hand and a single BANKER hand. Each gamer bets on either of the PLAYER hand or the BANKER hand before the playing cards of the hands are dealt. After the playing cards are dealt, the hand with the units digit value total closest to nine wins. Each of the garners can also bet that a TIE will occur between the PLAYER hand and the BANKER hand. The gamer can thus make multiple bets.

More specifically, conventional American Baccarat is played at a casino table having two identical ends and a middle area for the “croupier” or “caller.” Usually, up to fourteen garners can sit at the table. The gamers' positions at the table does not affect play. Each gamer position has three betting areas, which correspond to the “BANKER,” “PLAYER,” and “TIE” bets.

Three dealers typically service each Baccarat table. The dealer standing between positions one and fifteen (thirteen is eliminated) is known as the “caller” or “croupier.” This dealer directs play of the game and makes calls on the hands. The two other dealers service garners one through seven, and eight through fourteen, respectively. These dealers make payouts to winning garners and collect losing wagers. In some versions, the table also includes an area having numbered boxes, which track how much commission each gamer owes the dealer or house.

Regardless of the number of garners at the table, only two hands are dealt (i.e., the PLAYER hand and the BANKER hand). The garners each make their individual bets before the two hands are dealt. Each of the bets can be any amount ranging from the table minimum to the table maximum. In one version, the Baccarat table game is played with six or eight decks of standard playing cards (each including fifty-two playing cards). One of the dealers shuffles the playing cards and places the playing cards in a box called a “shoe.”

In one version, the dealing rotates gamer-by-gamer by passing the shoe counterclockwise around the table, enabling each gamer to represent the “BANKER” or the BANKER hand. In one version, the same gamer continues to deal as long as the BANKER hand wins. It should be appreciated that even though the gamer with the shoe represents the BANKER hand, that gamer is not obligated to bet on the BANKER hand, does not payout wins to other gamers, and does not otherwise function as the BANKER, and the gaming establishment or casino remains the true BANKER. That is, the gamer's role as the BANKER is ceremonial. In this version, the croupier instructs the gamer representing the BANKER regarding if and when to deal playing cards and announces the winning hand.

In most versions of Baccarat, the gamer that wagers the largest amount on the PLAYER hand has the honor of representing or playing the PLAYER hand. This is often considered a position of respect. Thus, the gamer who bet the highest amount on the PLAYER hand is dealt the PLAYER hand cards, though he or she simply turns these cards over to reveal their total value. It should be appreciated that the actions by the gamer acting as the BANKER and the gamer turning over the PLAYER hand cards do not affect the outcome of the game for themselves or for any of the other gamers. These positions are positions of ceremony and respect and part of the tradition of the game.

In one version of Baccarat game play, four playing cards are dealt face-down. The first playing card is dealt to the PLAYER hand by one of the dealers taking a card from the dealing gamer and passing it to the gamer of the PLAYER hand. The second playing card is dealt to the BANKER hand and is placed next to the shoe. The third playing card is dealt to the PLAYER hand. The fourth playing card is dealt to the BANKER hand.

In one version of Baccarat, the gamer with the PLAYER hand looks at the playing cards first and then passes them to the dealer who announces the hand value and places the playing cards on an area of the table marked “PLAYER.” The same procedure occurs with the BANKER hand. The gamer who acts as the BANKER looks at the playing cards and passes them to the dealer, which are then placed on the “BANK” or “BANKER” area of the table.

In one version, the playing card values in Baccarat are as follows: (i) tens and face cards (i.e., jacks, queens, and kings) are worth zero; (ii) aces are worth one; and (iii) two through nine are worth their respective values. Playing card suits generally have no function in calculating the hand values in Baccarat.

The hands are totaled by summing the values of the respective cards. If the total of the hand exceeds ten, the ten's digit is ignored and only the one's digit is relevant. For example, if the first two playing cards dealt are Jack and four, the hand value or count is four. If the first two playing cards dealt are an eight and six, totaling fourteen, the ten's digit is ignored and the count is again four.

The highest total any baccarat hand can have is nine. A two playing card total of nine is called a “natural” and cannot lose (because at worst a TIE occurs with the dealer). An eight is the second best hand and is also called a natural. If both the BANKER hand and PLAYER hand are dealt hands with the same total, a standoff or TIE occurs and neither BANKER hand nor PLAYER hand wins.

After receiving two playing cards, if either the PLAYER hand or the BANKER hand has a total of eight or nine, both hands stand (i.e., they do not receive any other cards). In one version of Baccarat, there is no exception to this rule, and this rule overrides all other rules including the rules set forth below.

After receiving two playing cards, if the PLAYER hand has a total of six or seven, the PLAYER hand stands and the BANKER hand receives a third playing card if the BANKER's hand has a total of five or less.

After receiving two playing cards, if the PLAYER hand has a total of five or less, the PLAYER hand automatically takes a third playing card.

If the PLAYER hand receives a third playing card, the BANKER hand draws a third playing card according to the following rules:

-   -   a) if the BANKER hand has a total of zero, one or two, the         BANKER hand always draws a third playing card;     -   b) if the BANKER hand has a total of three, the BANKER hand         draws a third playing card if the PLAYER hand three card total         is a zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven or nine (but         not eight);     -   c) if the BANKER hand has a total of four, the BANKER hand draws         a third playing card if the PLAYER hand three card total is two,         three, four, five, six or seven;     -   d) if the BANKER hand has a total of five, the BANKER hand draws         a third playing card if the PLAYER hand three card total is a         four, five, six or seven;     -   e) if the BANKER hand has a total of six, the BANKER hand draws         a third playing card if the PLAYER hand three card total is six         or seven; and     -   f) if the BANKER hand has a total of seven, the BANKER hand         always stands.

After the final playing cards are dealt, the scores of the PLAYER hand and BANKER hand are compared. The winning hand is the hand that holds two or three playing cards totaling closest to nine. If a TIE occurs, in one version, bets on the BANKER hand or PLAYER hand are returned to the gamers.

Thus, in one version, if either hand has a total of eight or nine, that play of the game is called a “natural” and no more cards are dealt. If the play of the game is not a natural, then the above rules apply. The decision when to deal a third card follows these rules.

In one version of Baccarat, the only gamer decision that affects or influences the outcome for the gamer is how much to bet and where to place the bet. After a bet has been placed, there are no opportunities for any further decisions by the gamer because both the BANKER hand and the PLAYER hand are dealt according to the above rules. Thus, in such version of Baccarat, the actions by the garners “playing” the hands do not affect the outcomes of the games.

In one version of Baccarat: (a) even money is paid to the gamer for a winning bet placed on the BANKER hand less a five percent commission, also known as “vig” or “vigorish”, for the casino; (b) even money is paid to the gamer for a winning bet placed on the PLAYER hand (i.e., no commission or vig is taken by the casino for a win on the PLAYER hand); and (c) 8:1 is paid to the gamer for a TIE bet. Various versions have different payout schedules such as 9:1 for a TIE bet win.

In one embodiment, in the case where the gamer places a BANKER wager, irrespective of whether or not gamer also places a TIE wager, and the outcome of the game is a TIE, the gaming system returns the BANKER wager to the gamer. In one embodiment, in the case where the gamer places a PLAYER wager irrespective of whether or not gamer also places a TIE wager, and the outcome of the game is a TIE, the gaming system returns the PLAYER wager to the gamer.

In some versions of Baccarat, the gamer is permitted to place a PLAYER wager or a BANKER wager but not both. In some other versions of Baccarat, the gamer is permitted to place a PLAYER wager or a BANKER wager or both a PLAYER and a BANKER wager. In some variations of Baccarat, the gamer is required to place either a PLAYER or a BANKER wager in order to place a TIE wager. In some other variations of Baccarat, the gamer is permitted to only place a TIE wager. It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, once a given side bet has advanced to the first level in a streak sequence, the ERR at this condition exceeds 100% and is therefore a profitable proposition for the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system allows a gamer to remove the side bet and abandon the state of the streak sequence whenever the base game is not in progress as this may be financially advantageous to the casino for a gamer to forgo the profit potential of a side bet wager in such a potential. In some embodiments, the gaming system does not allow the gamer to withdraw the side bet while a streak sequence is in progress.

In one Asian version of Baccarat, the shoe of playing cards is not passed. In another version, the gamer who places the highest bet on the BANKER hand has the shoe. In other versions, a dealer maintains the shoe. In one version: (a) the first two playing cards are dealt to the PLAYER hand and then flipped over; and (b) the second two cards are dealt to the BANKER hand and then flipped over. It should be appreciated that there are other deal mechanics operable with Baccarat as part of the gaming system, including, but not limited to, the following procedures: a) the first playing card is dealt face up to be the first PLAYER hand card, b) the second playing card is dealt face up to be the first BANKER hand card, c) the third playing card is dealt face up to be the second PLAYER hand card, and d) the fourth playing card is dealt face up to be the second BANKER hand card.

In one version, for additional cards, the gamer who bet the most on the PLAYER hand can pass on a dealt face-down card for the next dealt face-down card. In one Asian version, the gamer showing or flipping the playing cards literally slowly bends and squeezes each of the face-down cards when turning over or flipping the playing cards. Due to this bending, each deck of cards is only used once and a new deck is used for each play of the game. Some Baccarat games can be offered or implemented through a single player or multi-player gaming device with one or more video displays. Some variations of such a multi-player Baccarat gaming device allow each gamer to slowly show or flip the gamer's playing cards using a touch-screen interface, thereby somewhat replicating the traditional felt-table based game. Some Baccarat games can be offered or implemented through the Internet or some other suitable networked configuration wherein a given gamer plays a video-based Baccarat on said the player's own video display system, such as a personal computer, a Personal Digital Assistant device, a cellular phone, a portable gaming display device or any other type of video display device. In some variations, each gamer plays Baccarat in a single-player setting, even if other gamers are also playing on the same network simultaneously. In some variations, two or more gamers play at the same multi-player virtual Baccarat table, where any one gamer has access to information about other gamers playing at the same virtual table, such as amount and type of bet. In some variations, two or more gamers play at the same multi-player virtual Baccarat table, but a given gamer has no information about other gamers. In some variations, the Baccarat result is shown as computer generated graphics. In some variations, the Baccarat result is live video feed from physical gaming table with a human dealer.

It should thus be understood that there is much tradition, honor, and respect in Baccarat. This becomes part of the play and allure of the game for many gamers. To enhance this allure, play areas are often roped-off to separate them from the rest of the casino and the dealers are typically tuxedo-clad to provide a sense of elegance and exclusivity.

Table XI set forth below provides a set of rules, game play logic, instructions, information and processes for an online, electronic or computerized version of Baccarat.

TABLE XI GAME PLAY RULES OF COMPUTERIZED BACCARAT Baccarat is a classic casino card game that first originated in Europe. The object of the game is to reach a card count total that is as close to 9 as possible. Gamer has the option of betting on the BANKER hand winning, the PLAYER hand winning, or a TIE between the two. Two cards are dealt the PLAYER and the BANKER, and depending upon the total value of the cards (see table below), a third card might be dealt. The cards are counted as follows: Aces count as 1 Face cards count as 0 All other cards count as their face value For each hand, the card values are added. Only the last digit of the card total is used, so the hands all have values between 0 and 9. For example, a 2, 3, 9 would be counted as 4, not 14. If the first two cards of either hand total 8 or 9, the hand is declared a ‘natural’ and both hands stand. If only one hand has a natural, it automatically wins. If both hands are naturals and of the same value, the hands TIE, else the hand with a 9 wins over the hand with an 8. If the PLAYER's first 2 cards total 6 or more, then the PLAYER will not be dealt any additional cards. If the PLAYER's first 2 cards total 5 or less, the PLAYER will be dealt one additional card. If the PLAYER stands, then the BANKER hits on a total of 5 or less. If the BANKER's first 2 cards total 7 or more, then the BANKER will not be dealt an additional card. If the BANKER's first 2 cards total 0, 1, or 2, then the BANKER will be dealt an additional card. If the BANKER's first 2 cards total 3, 4, 5, or 6, the decision of whether the BANKER will be dealt another card is determined by whether the PLAYER was dealt a third card, and what the value of that card was. PLAYER: Point value of first two PLAYER cards: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Draws a card 6, 7 Stands 8, 9 “Natural Hand” - no further draw BANKER: Draws when the Does not draw when Point value of first PLAYER's third the PLAYER's two BANKER cards: card is: third card is: 0, 1, 2 Always draws a 3^(rd) card — 3 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 8 4 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 0, 1, 8, 9 5 4, 5, 6, 7 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 6 6, 7 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 7 Always stands — 8, 9 “Natural Hand” - “Natural Hand” - no further draw no further draw Note: It is important to remember that the determination of whether a third card is dealt to the PLAYER or the BANKER is dictated by the value of the first two cards dealt to each hand. Gamer does not have a choice of whether to take these additional cards. The dealing of all of the cards is automatic once gamer starts the game. Determining Wager Placement and Amount (a) Gamer can bet that the PLAYER's hand will win, the BANKER's hand will win, or that the game will result in a TIE. If gamer wins by betting on the BANKER's hand, there is a 5% commission on the winnings. (b) To start playing Baccarat, select the wager amount by clicking the desired chip denomination in the Meter Bar at the bottom of the game screen. Once a chip denomination is selected, it will appear slightly above the other chips. After selecting the chip denomination, click the betting box that corresponds to the hand gamer wants to bet on, either the BANKER, the PLAYER, or that they will TIE. Each click will increment the number of chips by one, in the selected denomination. To prevent the chip stack from growing too tall, chips in the stack will be ‘consolidated’ when they reach the value of the next largest denomination. (c) Chips can also be removed from the stack by holding down the <shift> key while clicking on the chip. The chip values are removed in ascending order, for example, if gamer has a bet consisting of 1 chip, 5 chip, 25 chip, then <shift>clicking would remove the 1 chip first, then the 5 chip, and finally the 25 chip. If gamer wants to remove ALL bets from the entire board in one step, gamer can do so by clicking the CLEAR button on the controls. If gamer wants to play another hand with the same wager configuration, click the REBET button. Remember: The chips represent a multiplier of the denomination in which the game is being played (for example, a 5 chip is worth five times the game's denomination). The current total of gamer's bets are displayed on the controls status bar. After the desired amount and placement of the wager has been set, click the DEAL button. Notes: (a) After the DEAL button is clicked, no more wagers may be placed. Gamer's bet cannot exceed your available funds, or the table maximum. For example, if gamer's current wager is 450, and gamer wants to wager an additional 100, but the table limit is 500, then a bet of 50 would be added to bring the bet up to the maximum. (b) If gamer has reached the table maximum, but still tries to place a larger wager, an onscreen message will indicate that the limit has been reached. (c) Similarly, if gamer's wager does not meet or exceed the table minimum wager amount, the DEAL button will not be displayed until a sufficient wager is placed.

In one embodiment, the base game 12 of each one of the gaming systems 10 and 100 includes, incorporates or is otherwise based upon: (a) one or more of the rules, game play logic, instructions, information and processes described above with respect to Baccarat; (b) all of the logically compatible rules, game play logic, instructions, information and processes described above with respect to Baccarat; or (c) any suitable combination of the rules, game play logic, instructions, information and processes described above with respect to Baccarat; or (d) any suitable modified version of Baccarat

It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the base game 12 can be a wagering game other than Baccarat, including, but not limited to: (a) other card games or non-card games which involve inferior and superior roles assumable by the gamer; (b) Blackjack; (c) Roulette; or (d) any other suitable wagering game. In some variations, the gamer playing the base game 12 is the same person making the streak bet. In some other variations, the person making the streak bet is not also directly playing the base game 12, rather, the base game 12 is played by another gamer or independent agents such as a computer.

Each of the gaming systems 10 and 100 may be implemented by a physical gaming table. In such an embodiment, the gaming table includes a patter, template or layout for directing the operation of the base game 12 and side game 14 or 102. The dealer is a human which operates the gaming table for the gamers. In one embodiment, such gaming table includes a plurality of legs which support a playing tabletop. The tabletop has a playing surface which defines the bet areas, outcome areas, and side game levels of the gaming system.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 47A and 47B, the tabletop 500 has: (a) a plurality of gamer stations 502; (b) a PLAYER cards area 504 where the cards for the PLAYER are dealt; and (c) BANKER cards area 506 where the cards for the BANKER are dealt. Each gamer station 502 has: (a) a streak game area 508; (b) a PLAYER wager area 510; (c) a BANKER wager area 512; and (d) a TIE wager area 514. Depending upon the embodiment, the streak game area 508 includes the streak game wager area and layout of side game 14, streak game 54, side game 102, side game 103, streak game 302, streak game 402 or streak game 405.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 47A, the side game or streak game 508 includes the streak game 54 described with respect to FIG. 2. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 47B, the side game or streak game 508 includes the streak game 102 described with respect to FIG. 15. In another embodiment, the streak game 508 of FIGS. 47A and 47B is streak game 302 illustrated with respect to FIG. 23. In another embodiment, the streak game 508 of FIGS. 47A and 47B is streak game 402 illustrated with respect to FIG. 35.

II. Side Game Bet Tracker for Baccarat-Type Game

Referring generally to FIGS. 48-55, in one embodiment, the gaming system 600 includes a Baccarat-based base game 601, a side game 629, 664, 700, or 712, and a side game bet tracker for each gamer, each of which is described in detail below. Depending upon the embodiment, the gaming system 600 is fully electronic (i.e., in video or virtual form), electromechanical or entirely mechanical.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 48, the gaming system 600 includes a gaming table 602 having a left end 604, a right end 606 and a middle table portion 608 between the left and right ends 604 and 606, respectively. Each of the ends 604 and 606 has: (a) a BANKER card station 610; (b) a PLAYER card station 612; and (c) a plurality of gamer stations 614. Each gamer station 614 includes, or is associated with, a base game bet indicator 616 illustrated in FIGS. 49-52, In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 52, the base game indicator 616 includes a bet on TIE area 618, a bet on BANKER area 620, and a bet on PLAYER area 622. The gamer may indicate a bet on TIE, BANKER or PLAYER by placing one of the wager chips, elements or symbols 624 on the desired area. In one embodiment, the middle table portion 608 has an electronic card shoe 626. The card shoe defines one or more card deck holders, shufflers, dealing aids, card scanners, or any suitable combination thereof. Depending upon the embodiment, the card shoe 626 may be mechanical or electromechanical.

Referring back to FIG. 48, in one embodiment, each gamer station 614 includes a monitor, screen or electronic display device 628. In this embodiment, the base game indicator 616 (shown in FIG. 49) is a graphical representation or computer-generated image, and the display device 628 displays the base game indicator 616 to the gamer occupying the applicable gamer station 614.

A. Scoring with Static Payout Rates

Referring to FIG. 49, in one embodiment, the gaming system 605 includes the base game 601 and a side game 629. Side game 629 includes a side game bet tracker 630 and a side game payout indicator 632. In the illustrated example, the side game bet tracker 630 specifies a sequence of ten plays of the base game 601. The tracker includes: (a) a BANKER prediction recorder 633 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins; (b) a PLAYER prediction recorder 634 which records the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; (c) an outcome indicator 636 which records the outcomes as to whether gamer was correct or wrong for the predictions; and (d) a score 638 which provides the total number of correct predictions.

The side game payout indicator 632 provides a paytable or schedule of different scores 640 and corresponding payout rates 642. In the illustrated example, the indicator 632 associates: (a) a ten correct score 643 with payout rate 644; (b) a nine correct score 646 with payout rate 648; (c) an eight correct score 650 with payout rate 652; and (d) a less than eight score 654 with a payout rate 656 of zero.

In operation of this embodiment, each gamer has an opportunity to: (a) provide the gamer's predictions using the side game bet tracker 630; (b) place a side wager 624 on the side game bet area 658; (c) play a sequence of plays, in this example, a ten-game sequence, of the base game 601, placing a base wager 624 for each base game play. Depending upon the gamer's score, the gamer will receive a side game payout or no payout at all. The higher the score, the higher the payout rate. The gaming system provide the gamer with an award based on the payout rate that corresponds to the score.

Referring back to FIG. 48, in one embodiment, the BANKER role card station 610 and PLAYER role card station 612 are areas on the tabletop of the gaming table 602, and the dealer deals playing cards to the areas 610 and 612. In one embodiment, the base game indicator 616 and the side game 629 are computer-generated images, and the display device 628 displays to the gamer: (a) the base game indicator 616; (b) and the side game 629.

In another embodiment, the side game bet tracker 630 is a tablet or card which is markable by the gamer, enabling the gamer to records the gamer's predictions. Depending upon the embodiment, the tablet or card can be in paper or plastic form, or the tablet or card can be an electronic, portable handheld tablet or device with a touch screen. Also, depending upon the embodiment, the gamer can mark the tablet or card using a pencil, pen, stylus or by finger touch. In one embodiment, the outcome indicator is completed by the dealer, a dealer's assistant or by a printer or device configured to receive, print or otherwise mark the outcomes on the tablet or card.

The flow chart set forth in FIG. 55A illustrates one example of the operation of gaming system 605 with a paper card side game bet tracker:

The following paytable provides the RTP for an example of a ten dollar side game bet:

10 Game Card $10 Bet Correct Guesses Return 10  0.5068371 33.56% 9 0.5068371 33.11% 8 0.5068371 21.77% 7 0.5068371  0.00% 6 0.5068371 5 0.5068371 4 0.5068371 3 0.5068371 2 0.5068371 1 0.5068371 0 0.5068371 Approx. RTP 88.44% Odds 30 15 5 0 Correct 10 9 8 7 Payout 300 150 50 0

B. Scoring with Static Payout Rates and Weighted Rates

Referring to FIG. 50, in one embodiment, the gaming system 660 includes the base game 601 and a side game 664. The side game 664 includes a side game bet tracker 666 and a side game payout indicator 668. In the illustrated example, the side game bet tracker 666 specifies a sequence of ten plays of the base game 601. The tracker 666 includes: (a) a PLAYER prediction recorder 669 which records the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; (b) a BANKER prediction recorder 670 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins; (c) a TIE prediction recorder 672 which records the gamer's prediction for a TIE between the PLAYER and BANKER; (d) an outcome indicator 674 which records the outcomes as to whether gamer was correct or wrong for the predictions; and (e) a score indicator 676 which provides the total score.

In addition, the side game bet tracker 666 specifies or otherwise includes: (a) a point value 678 associated with the PLAYER role; (b) a different point value 680 associated with the BANKER role, where value 680 is greater than value 678; and (c) a point value 682 associated with the TIE outcome, where value 682 is greater than value 680.

The side game 664 includes a weighted or score-based system which: (a) multiplies the score value 678 by the quantity of correct PLAYER predictions; (b) multiplies the score value 680 by the quantity of correct BANKER predictions; and (c) multiplies the score value 682 by the quantity of correct TIE predictions. The system then sums the products of the such (a), (b) and (c) multiplications to result in an ACTUAL SCORE which, in the illustrated example, is four hundred thirty five points.

The side game payout indicator 668 provides a paytable or schedule of different scores levels 684 and corresponding payout rates 688. A score level 684 can be a specific point value, such as score 690 associated with payout rate 692. Also, a score level 684 can be a range of point values, such as range 694 associated with payout rate 696. In the illustrated example, the gamer receives no payout if the score is less than three hundred.

In operation of this embodiment, each gamer has an opportunity to: (a) provide the gamer's predictions using the side game bet tracker 666; (b) place a side wager 624 on the side game bet area 658; (c) play a sequence of plays, in this example, a ten-game sequence, of the base game 601, placing a base wager 624 for each base game play. Depending upon the gamer's score, the gamer will receive a side game payout or no payout at all. The higher the score 676, the higher the payout rate. The gaming system provides the gamer with an award based on the payout rate which corresponds to the score.

Referring back to FIG. 48, in one embodiment, the BANKER role card station 610 and PLAYER role card station 612 are areas on the tabletop of the gaming table 602, and the dealer deals paper playing cards to the areas 610 and 612. In one embodiment, the base game indicator 616 and the side game 664 are computer-generated images, and the display device 628 displays to the gamer: (a) the base game indicator 616; (b) and the side game 664. The flow chart set forth in FIG. 55B illustrates one example of the onscreen operation of gaming system 660, where the gamer provides electronic inputs to “fill-out” the virtual card or side bet tracker 666:

In another embodiment, the side game bet tracker 666 is a tablet or card which is markable by the gamer, enabling the gamer to record the gamer's predictions. Depending upon the embodiment, the tablet or card can be in paper or plastic form, or the tablet or card can be an electronic, portable handheld tablet or device with a touch screen. Also, depending upon the embodiment, the gamer can mark the tablet or card using a pencil, pen, stylus or by finger touch. In one embodiment, the outcome indicator is completed by the dealer, a dealer's assistant or by a printer or device configured to receive, print or otherwise mark the outcomes on the tablet or card.

C. Side Game Bet Tracker with Static Payout Rates for All Correct

Referring to FIG. 51, in one embodiment, the gaming system 698 includes the base game 601 and a side game 700. In the illustrated example, if the gamer receive any wrong predictions, the gamer receives no payout. The side game 700 includes a side game bet tracker 702 and a side game payout indicator 704. In the illustrated example, the side game bet tracker 702 specifies a sequence of five plays of the base game 601. The tracker 702 includes: (a) a PLAYER prediction recorder 706 which records the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; (b) a BANKER prediction recorder 708 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins; and (c) a TIE prediction recorder 710 which records the gamer's prediction for a TIE between the BANKER and PLAYER roles.

The side game payout indicator 704 specifies or indicates a static payout rate which applies only if the gamer earns all correct predictions, that is, one hundred percent correct predictions. In another embodiment, the side game payout indicator 704 specifies or indicates a static payout rate which applies only if the gamer earns a designated percentage of correct predictions, for example, ninety percent or greater.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 52, the gaming system 711 includes the main game 601 and side game 712. Side game 712 includes a side game bet tracker 714 and a side game payout indicator 716. In this embodiment, if the outcome is a TIE, a PUSH occurs. In the illustrated example, the side game bet tracker 714 specifies a sequence of six plays of the base game 601. The tracker 714 includes: (a) a PLAYER prediction recorder 716 which recorder the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; and (b) a BANKER prediction recorder 718 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins.

The side game payout indicator 720 specifies or indicates a static payout rate which applies only if the gamer earns all correct predictions, that is, one hundred percent correct predictions. In another embodiment, the side game payout indicator 720 specifies or indicates a fixed payout rate which applies only if the gamer earns a designated percentage of correct predictions, for example, ninety percent or greater.

Referring back to FIG. 48, in one embodiment, the BANKER role card station 610 and PLAYER role card station 612 are areas on the tabletop of the gaming table 602, and the dealer deals paper playing cards to the areas 610 and 612. In one embodiment, the base game indicator 616 and the side games 700 and 712 are computer-generated images, and the display device 628 displays to the gamer: (a) the base game indicator 616; (b) and the side game 700 or 712, depending upon the embodiment.

In another embodiment, the side game bet trackers 702 and 714 each include a tablet or card which is markable by the gamer, enabling the gamer to records the gamer's predictions. Depending upon the embodiment, the tablet or card can be in paper or plastic form, or the tablet or card can be an electronic, portable handheld tablet or device with a touch screen. Also, depending upon the embodiment, the gamer can mark the tablet or card using a pencil, pen, stylus or by finger touch. In one embodiment, the outcome indicator is completed by the dealer, a dealer's assistant or by a printer or device configured to receive, print or otherwise mark the outcomes on the tablet or card.

D. Side Game Bet Tracker with Variable Payout Rates for All Correct Referring to FIGS. 52-54, in one embodiment, the side game 712 includes side game tracker 722 instead of side game tracker 714. In this embodiment, side game tracker 722 is a computer-generated image which has: (a) a PLAYER prediction recorder 724 which records the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; (b) a BANKER prediction recorder 726 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins; and (c) a TIE prediction recorder 727 which records the gamer's prediction for TIE outcomes. The PLAYER prediction recorder 724 includes a plurality of images, windows or screen areas 728, and the BANKER prediction recorder 726 includes a plurality of images, windows or screen areas 730. The TIE prediction recorder 727 includes a plurality of images, windows or screen areas 731.

In addition, the bet tracker 722 includes a bet on TIE selector 733 and a TIE is PUSH selector 735. Before playing the game, the gamer may actuate or otherwise pick the bet on TIE selector 733 which activates the TIE prediction recorder 727. Alternatively, the gamer may actuate or otherwise pick the TIE is PUSH selector 735 which deactivates the TIE prediction recorder 727. In this example, the gamer has actuated the TIE is PUSH selector 735, so the selector 735 is shaded, changed in color or otherwise graphically distinguished from the bet on TIE selector 733.

The tracker 722 also includes a payout rate image, window or screen area 732. The payout rate area 732 displays the applicable payout rate to the gamer.

As illustrated in FIG. 54, the gaming system 711 includes a correlation schedule 733 which associates a plurality of different outcome sequences 734 (which are gamer selectable or configurable as predictions) with a plurality of different payout rates 736.

The example gamer selection 738 indicates or records the gamer's prediction for four consecutive PLAYER wins, represented in the schedule 733 as P-P-P-P. The P-P-P-P outcome sequence 740 is associated with the payout rate.742.

The example gamer selection 744 indicates or records the gamer's prediction for three consecutive PLAYER wins followed by one BANKER win, represented in the schedule 733 as P-P-P-B. The P-P-P-B outcome sequence 746 is associated with the payout rate 748, which is different from payout rate 742.

In operation of one example, the gamer selects the TIE is a push activator 735 which causes the TIE prediction recorder 727 to be inactive. The gaming system 711 then enables the gamer to provide inputs to select the desired areas 728 and 730 illustrated in FIG. 53. By providing one or more inputs, the gamer may change a bet for game play one, two, three or four from a PLAYER win prediction to a BANKER win prediction. When the gamer forms or configures a desired outcome sequence 734, the payout rate area 732 automatically displays the applicable payout rate 736 which corresponds to the configured outcome sequence 734.

The gaming system 711 enables the gamer to change the player's decision and try different sequences 734 before starting play. Each time the gamer sets a different sequence 734, the payout rate area 732 is automatically updated to display the applicable payout rate 736 which corresponds to such outcome sequence 734. In this way, the gaming system 711 dynamically changes the display of the payout rates 736 as the gamer changes the sequences 734. In one embodiment, the processor of the gaming system 711 executes a set of instructions to: (a) receive one or more gamer input signals corresponding to one of the sequences 734; (b) cause the area 732 of the gaming system's display device to display the payout rate which is associated with the first sequence; and (c) repeat such steps (a) and (b) for additional, different sequences 734. In one embodiment, the display device 628 (shown in FIG. 48) includes a touch screen which enables the gamer to provide the inputs described above.

The flow chart set forth in FIG. 55C logic and method for one example operation of the gaming system 711 having the side game 722.

E. Side Game Bet Tracker with Payout Rate Increase Per Added Bet

Referring to FIGS. 52 and 55, in one embodiment the side game 712 includes the side game bet tracker 750 instead of side game tracker 714. In this embodiment, side game tracker 750 specifies or indicates: (a) a PLAYER prediction recorder 752 which records the gamer's prediction for PLAYER wins; (b) a BANKER prediction recorder 754 which records the gamer's prediction for BANKER wins; and (c) a TIE prediction recorder 756 which records the gamer's prediction for TIE outcomes.

The tracker 750 also includes a payout rate indicator 758. The indicator 758 displays or indicates: (a) the base payout rate 760 for a base bet 762, which, in this example, is all bets on BANKER; (b) that each bet placed on PLAYER (instead of BANKER) adds a PLAYER add value 764 to the success odds of the payout rate 760; and (c) that each bet placed on TIE (instead of BANKER) adds a TIE add value 766 to the success odds of the payout rate 760.

In the example shown in FIG. 55, if the gamer bets BANKER-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER, the payout rate is forty to one. If the gamer bets PLAYER-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER, the payout rate is forty-one to one because the PLAYER bet adds one to the forty of the base payout rate 760. If the gamer bets TIE-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER-BANKER, the payout rate is one hundred forty to one because the TIE bet adds one hundred to the forty of the base payout rate 760. In the example shown, the addition of one PLAYER bet and one TIE bet adds one hundred one to the forty of the payout rate 760, resulting in an increased payout rate of one hundred forty-one to one.

The incremental relationship between the change in the base bet 762 and the change in the payout rate assists the gamer in understanding and remembering how the bet changes affect the odds of success.

Referring back to FIG. 48, in one embodiment, the BANKER role card station 610 and PLAYER role card station 612 are areas on the tabletop of the gaming table 602, and the dealer deals paper playing cards to the areas 610 and 612. In one embodiment, the base game indicator 616 and the side game 712 with the tracker 750 are computer-generated images, and the display device 628 displays to the gamer: (a) the base game indicator 616; (b) and the side game 712 and tracker 750.

In another embodiment, the side game bet tracker 750 is a tablet or card which is markable by the gamer, enabling the gamer to records the gamer's predictions. Depending upon the embodiment, the tablet or card can be in paper or plastic form, or the tablet or card can be an electronic, portable handheld tablet or device with a touch screen. Also, depending upon the embodiment, the gamer can mark the tablet or card using a pencil, pen, stylus or by finger touch. In one embodiment, the outcome indicator is completed by the dealer, a dealer's assistant or by a printer or device configured to receive, print or otherwise mark the outcomes on the tablet or card.

Each of the gaming systems 10, 11, 100, 101, 300, 400, 500, 600, 605, 660, 698 and 711 may be implemented in various configurations of gaming machines or gaming devices, including, but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or gaming device wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device (such as Baccarat) are provided with the gaming machine or device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or gaming device wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a data network after the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games, such as base game 12 and sides games 14 and 102, are executed by at least one central server, central controller, or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a gamer. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a gamer.

In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any base or primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any side or secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.

Two example alternative embodiments of a gaming device disclosed herein are illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57 as gaming device 210 a and gaming device 210 b, respectively. Gaming device 210 a and/or gaming device 210 b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 210.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57, gaming device 210 has a support structure, housing, or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls, and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a gamer can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device can be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a gamer can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown in FIGS. 56 and 57, the gaming device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 58, the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor 212, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). The processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 214. In one embodiment, the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, gamer input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information, and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the gamer, the gaming device flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be provided to the gamer again. This type of gaming device provides gamers with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.

In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a gamer initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a gamer. In one embodiment, this bingo outcome is displayed to the gamer as a bingo game and/or in any form in accordance with the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 58, the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted on the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 56 includes a central display device 216 which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 57 includes a central display device 216 and an upper display device 218. The upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated or not associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. These display devices may also serve as digital glass operable to advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. As seen in FIGS. 56 and 57, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display 220 which displays a gamer's current number of credits, cash, account balance, or the equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 222 which displays a gamer's amount wagered. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the gaming device includes a gamer tracking display 240 which displays information regarding a gamer's play tracking status.

In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device.

The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.

The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things, faces of cards, and the like.

In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels, or dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.

As illustrated in FIG. 58, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one payment device 224 in communication with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 56 and 57, a payment device such as a payment acceptor includes a

In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD, or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.

In one embodiment, an operator or a gamer can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, or another computerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, for example part of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand-held device, a mobile device, or any other suitable wireless device that enables a gamer to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”

In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination is provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator, or other suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the gamer based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the gamer with any specific award or other game outcome. note, ticket or bill acceptor 228 wherein the gamer inserts paper money, a ticket, or voucher and a coin slot 226 where the gamer inserts money, coins, or tokens. In other embodiments, payment devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment. In one embodiment, a gamer may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip, a coded magnetic strip or coded rewritable magnetic strip, wherein the programmed microchip or magnetic strips are coded with a gamer's identification, credit totals (or related data), and/or other relevant information. In another embodiment, a gamer may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wireless device, which communicates a gamer's identification, credit totals (or related data), and other relevant information to the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a gamer funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable display as described above.

As seen in FIGS. 56, 57, and 58, in one embodiment the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 230 in communication with the processor. The input devices can include any suitable device which enables the gamer to produce an input signal which is received by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activation device, such as a play button 232 or a pull arm (not shown) which is used by the gamer to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button, or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the gamer engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play.

In one embodiment, one input device is a bet one button. The gamer places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The gamer can increase the bet by one credit each time the gamer pushes the bet one button. When the gamer pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the gamer to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.

In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 234. The gamer may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the gamer cashes out, a payment device, such as a ticket, payment, or note generator 236 prints or otherwise generates a ticket or credit slip to provide to the gamer. The gamer receives the ticket or credit slip and may redeem the value associated with the ticket or credit slip via a cashier (or other suitable redemption system). In another embodiment, when the gamer cashes out, the gamer receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. It should be appreciated that any suitable payout mechanisms, such as funding to the gamer's electronically recordable identification card or smart card, may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, as mentioned above and as seen in FIG. 58, one input device is a touch-screen 242 coupled with a touch-screen controller 244 or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for gamer interaction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 246. A gamer can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the appropriate locations. One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel.

The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port, or a keypad.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 58, the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 248 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 250 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as by playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or by playing music for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract garners to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential garners to the gaming device. The videos may also be customized to provide any appropriate information.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as a camera, in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor), that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a gamer actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in an analog, digital, or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as to display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the gamer and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.

Gaming device 210 can incorporate any suitable wagering game as the primary or base game, such as base game 12. Depending upon the embodiment, the base game 12 may be a primary game that preceeds a secondary slot game, or the base game 12 may be a secondary game that follows a primary slot game. The gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game, or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57, a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 252. In such embodiment, the base and side games described with respect to FIGS. 1-55 would function as secondary bonus games. The paylines of the primary slot game may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels 254, such as three to five reels 254, in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels 254 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as described above, displays the plurality of simulated video reels 254. Each reel 254 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars, or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In another embodiment, one or more of the reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each independent or unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to the gamer. In one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any outcome to provide to the gamer by analyzing the symbols generated on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device determines any outcome to provide to the gamer based on the number of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the gamer one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to the gamer for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that winning symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because a gaming device that enables wagering on ways to win provides the gamer one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a gaming device with paylines may provide the gamer more than one award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a gamer at a ways to win gaming device with more ways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with paylines.

In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 227 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel×3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the reels modifies the number of ways to win.

In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a gamer to wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this embodiment, if based on the gamer's wager, a reel is activated, then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the gamer's wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This type of gaming machine enables a gamer to wager on one, more than one or all of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments, (1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of the inactive symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive symbol positions may be displayed to the gamer but suitably shaded or otherwise designated as inactive.

In one embodiment wherein a gamer wagers on one or more reels, a gamer's wager of one credit may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the gamer three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×1 symbol on the second reel×1 symbol on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another example, a gamer's wager of nine credits may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the gamer twenty-seven ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel).

In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to the gamer based on the generated symbols, the gaming device individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.

After determining if any strings of related symbols are formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previously classified string of cherry symbols.

On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the string of two cherry symbols as complete.

After either adding a related symbol to the first string of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.

After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the previously classified strings of related symbols. This process continues until either each string of related symbols is complete or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending strings of related symbols as complete.

When each of the strings of related symbols is marked complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the gamer any award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated that the gamer is provided one award, if any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed to a quantity of awards being based on how many paylines that would have passed through each of the strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).

In one embodiment where the base and side games of FIGS. 1-55 are secondary bonus games, a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the gamer to play a conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, the cards may be randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the gamer wishes to draw, the gamer selects the cards to hold via one or more input devices, such as by pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The gamer then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides the gamer with an award based on a winning hand and the number of credits the gamer wagered.

In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming device deals the gamer at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The gamer chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand against a payout table and awards are provided to the gamer.

In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the gamer selects at least one bit potentially a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as a touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers and determine an amount of matches, if any, between the gamer's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The gamer is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches and the number of numbers drawn.

In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device gives gamers the opportunity to win credits in a bonus, secondary or side game 14 or in a bonus, secondary, side or streak game, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-55. Each such bonus or side game enables the gamer to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the primary or base game 12. In general, the bonus or side game produces a significantly higher level of gamer excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game, and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.

In one embodiment, after a gamer has qualified for a bonus game, the gamer may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the gamer obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the gamer may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.

In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy-in for a bonus game is needed. That is, a gamer may not purchase entry into a bonus game; rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game, thus encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy-in” by the gamer—for example, if the gamer has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities.

In the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1-55, the gamer must make a separate side-wager on the bonus game to qualify to play the secondary or side game. In this embodiment, the side-wager must have been placed to trigger the play of the secondary or side game.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 59, one or more of the gaming devices 210 are in communication with each other and/or at least one central controller 256 through a data network or remote communication link 258. In this embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central controller, central server or remote host as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller, central server or remote host.

In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the gamer is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the gamer at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a gamer initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.

In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.

The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the gamer. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the gamer, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the gamer. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility, and the like.

In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value for a primary or secondary game is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo, keno, or lottery game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo, keno, or lottery games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the gamer for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno, or lottery game is displayed to the gamer. In another embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is not displayed to the gamer, but the results of the bingo, keno, or lottery game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary game.

In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingo card includes a different combination of elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.

In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or associating a different bingo card with each of a plurality of enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the gamer to engage a daub button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device marking or flagging any selected elements.

After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined game outcome provided to the gamer. For example, a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which will be provided to a first gamer regardless of how the first gamer plays in a first game, and a second gaming device to have selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a second gamer regardless of how the second gamer plays a second game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking selected elements continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to a gamer. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.

In one example of the above-described embodiment, the predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the gamer as part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the gamer as part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the gamer of a gaming device may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of whether the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as described above.

In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the gamer and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a gamer database for storing gamer profiles, a gamer tracking module for tracking gamers and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.

In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any gamer's gaming activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one card reader 238 in communication with the processor. In this embodiment, a gamer is issued a player identification card which has an encoded gamer identification number that uniquely identifies the gamer. When a gamer inserts their playing tracking card into the card reader to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the gamer identification number off the player tracking card to identify the gamer. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified gamer's gaming session. Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device processor communicates such information to the player tracking system. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system also timely tracks when a gamer removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring a gamer to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a gamer, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a gamer begins and ends a gaming session. In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a gamer begins and ends a gaming session.

During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more gamers, the player tracking system includes the gamer's account number, the gamer's card number, the gamer's first name, the gamer's surname, the gamer's preferred name, the gamer's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the gamer's player tracking card, the gamer's address, the gamer's birthday, the gamer's anniversary, the gamer's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In one embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display 240. In another embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows (not shown) which are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device.

In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to one another.

In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, garners may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer or other internet facilitator is available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for gamers to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the gamer.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure may be employed in a server-based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.

In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a gamer. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.

In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, or downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet, or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a gamer through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.

In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host site computer) determines when a progressive award win is triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by the central controller.

In one embodiment, a progressive award win for a primary or secondary game is triggered based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering event or qualifying condition may be achieved by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play. In another embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently randomly selected to provide a gamer of that gaming device one or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the gamer for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, a gamer is provided a progressive award without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, a gamer is provided a progressive award at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.

In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a gamer must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment, the gamer must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another embodiment, if the gamer places or wagers the required side bet, the gamer may wager at any credit amount during the primary game (i.e., the gamer need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such embodiment, the greater the gamer's wager (in addition to the placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the gamer will win one of the progressive awards. It should be appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via any suitable manner.

In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the gamer may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded based on gamer's wagers as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.

In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is required for a gaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gamers at a plurality of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of gamers at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as by playing together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different gamers of the group. In another embodiment, a plurality of gamers at a plurality of linked gaming devices compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of gamers at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards. In another embodiment, a plurality of gamers at a plurality of linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one or more linked gaming devices.

In one embodiment, each one of the gaming systems 10, 100, 101, 300, 400 and 500 includes one or more components, elements, functions or structural characteristics of any of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment, each one of the gaming systems 10, 100, 101, 300, 400, 500, 600, 605, 660, 698 and 711 includes all of the components, elements, functions and structural elements of the embodiments described above which are combinable in a suitable fashion for the performance of a wagering game.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

1. A gaming table comprising: a tabletop having a layout configured for play of: (a) a base game which is based on Baccarat, the base game being associated with a deck of playing cards; and (b) a streak game playable in conjunction with the base game, the layout defining: (a) at least one base game area associated with the base game, the at least one base game area having a superior role bet area and an inferior role bet area, the superior role bet area being associated with a win probability which is greater than the inferior role bet area, either one of the superior and inferior role bet areas being indicatable as selected by a gamer; (b) at least one streak game bet area associated with the streak game; (c) at least one base game outcome tracking area associated with the streak game, the at least one base game outcome tracking area indicating a plurality of advancement levels which are achievable as a result of a series of consecutive base wins resulting from a series of consecutive plays of the base game; and (d) at least one streak payout information area associated with the streak game, the at least one streak payout information area indicating: (i) a superior payout rate which is applied when the superior role bet area is selected by the gamer; and (ii) an inferior payout rate which is applied with the inferior role bet area is selected by the gamer, the superior payout rate being less than the inferior payout rate.
 2. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the streak payout information area includes a plurality of payout rate sections, each one of the payout rate sections indicating a payout rate set of: (a) a superior payout rate which is applied when the superior role bet area is selected by the gamer; and (b) an inferior payout rate which is applied with the inferior role bet area is selected by the gamer, the superior payout rate being less than the inferior payout rate, the sets being different from each other.
 3. The gaming table of claim 2, wherein each one of the payout rate sets corresponds to one of the advancement levels.
 4. A gaming table comprising: a tabletop having a layout configured for play of: (a) a base game which is based on Baccarat, the base game being associated with a deck of playing cards, play of the base game resulting in one of a plurality of base game outcomes, the base game outcomes including a base win; and (b) a streak game playable in conjunction with the base game, the layout defining: (a) at least one base game area associated with the base game, the at least one base game area having a superior role bet area and an inferior role bet area, the superior role bet area being associated with a win probability which is greater than the inferior role bet area, either one of the superior and inferior role bet areas being indicatable as selected by a gamer; (b) at least one streak game bet area associated with the streak game; (c) at least one base game correct guess tracking area associated with the streak game, the at least one base game correct guess tracking area indicating a plurality of advancement levels which are achievable as a result of a series of consecutive base wins resulting from a series of consecutive plays of the base game; and (d) a superior advancement condition area associated with the streak game, the superior advancement condition area indicating a superior advancement condition which: (i) is applicable when the superior role bet area is indicated as selected by the gamer; and (ii) permits advancement from one of the advancement levels of the streak game to another one of the advancement levels depending upon the outcome of one of the plays of the base game; (e) an inferior advancement condition area associated with the streak game, the inferior advancement condition area indicating an inferior advancement condition which: (i) is different from the superior advancement condition; (ii) is applicable when the inferior role bet area is indicated as selected by the gamer; and (iii) permits advancement from one of the advancement levels of the streak game to another one of the advancement levels depending upon the outcome of one of the plays of the base game.
 5. The gaming table of claim 4, wherein the layout defines at least one streak payout information area associated with the streak game, the streak payout information area indicating a plurality of different payout rates, each one of the payout rates being associated with one of the advancement levels.
 6. The gaming table of claim 4, wherein one of the outcomes includes a TIE.
 7. A gaming system comprising: at least one display device; at least one input device; at least one processor; and at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to: (a) display an image of a base game, the base game being based on a deck of playing cards, the image including a plurality of bet areas, a first one of the bet areas being associated with a superior role, a second one of the bet areas being associated with an inferior role, the superior role being associated with a win probability which is greater than the inferior role; (b) receive a selection of one of the inferior and superior roles; (c) receive a base bet for a play of the base game, the base bet being designated for the selected role; (d) receive a side bet for a side game, the side game being based on a tracking of a series of consecutive base wins resulting from a series of consecutive plays of the base game; (e) operate a play of the base game, the play involving: (1) dealing at least one of the playing cards corresponding to the superior role; (2) dealing at least one of the other playing cards corresponding to the inferior role; and (3) comparing the dealt cards to each other; (f) determine whether the selected role achieves a win based on the comparison; (g) in response to the selected role achieving a win: (1) provide a base game award; (2) track the win through operation of the side game; and (3) designate a side game award, the side game award having at least one value; (h) repeat steps (d) through (f), (g)(1) and (g)(2) for an additionally selected one of the roles; (i) increase the at least one value in response to the additionally selected role being the inferior role; and (k) provide the increased value of the side game award after a quantity of consecutive wins occurs, the quantity being greater than one.
 8. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the win includes a win outcome selected from the group consisting of: (a) a win of a bet on the superior role; (b) a win of a bet on the inferior role; and (c) a win of a bet on a TIE between the superior and inferior roles.
 9. A gaming system comprising: at least one display device; at least one input device; at least one processor; and at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to: (a) display an image of a base game, the base game being based on a deck of playing cards, the image including a plurality of bet areas, a first one of the bet areas being associated with a superior role, a second one of the bet areas being associated with an inferior role, the superior role being associated with a win probability which is greater than the inferior role; (b) receive a selection of one of the inferior and superior roles; (c) receive a base bet for a play of the base game, the base bet being designated for the selected role; (d) receive a side bet for a side game, the side game being based on a tracking of a series of consecutive base wins resulting from a series of consecutive plays of the base game, the side game being associated with: (1) a series of levels; and (2) a plurality of different level advancement conditions which are available to be implemented in the side game, the level advancement conditions being associated with: (i) a first advancement probability corresponding to the superior role; and (ii) a second advancement probability corresponding to the inferior role, the second advancement probability being greater than the first advancement probability; (e) operate a play of the base game, the play involving: (1) dealing at least one of the playing cards corresponding to the superior role; (2) dealing at least one of the other playing cards corresponding to the inferior role; and (3) comparing the dealt cards to each other; (f) determine whether the selected role achieves a win based on the comparison; (g) in response to the selected role achieving the win: (1) provide a base game award; (2) cause an advancement from one of the levels to another one of the levels depending upon the advancement condition associated with the selected role; and (3) provide a side game award after a quantity of consecutive wins occurs, the quantity being greater than one; (h) repeat steps (d) through (f) for an additionally selected one of the roles; and (i) perform step (g) using a different one of the advancement conditions in response to the additionally selected role being a different selected one of the roles.
 10. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the win includes a win outcome selected from the group consisting of: (a) a win of a bet on the superior role; (b) a win of a bet on the inferior role; and (c) a win of a bet on a TIE between the superior and inferior roles.
 11. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein: (a) the selected role is the superior role; (b) the additionally selected role is the inferior role; and (c) the side game involves a change from: (x) the implementation of the level advancement condition corresponding to the first advancement probability to corresponding to (y) the implementation of the level advancement condition corresponding to the second advancement probability.
 12. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein: (a) the selected role is the inferior role; (b) the additionally selected role is the superior role; and (c) the side game involves a change from: (x) the implementation of the level advancement condition corresponding to the second advancement probability to corresponding to (y) the implementation of the level advancement condition corresponding to the first advancement probability.
 13. A gaming system comprising: a gaming table configured for play of: (a) a Baccarat-type base game associated with a deck of playing cards, the base game being playable by a plurality of gamers, each one of the gamers having an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game; and (b) a side game playable in conjunction with the at least one base game; at least one BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one BANKER card station being associated with a BANKER role; at least one PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one PLAYER card station being associated with a PLAYER role; a plurality of gamer stations defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the gamer stations being usable by a plurality of the gamers, each one of the gamer stations being associated with: (a) a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer using the gamer station has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role; (b) at least one side game bet tracker configured to: (i) record, for each one of the plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER and PLAYER roles will win; (ii) indicate, for each one of the plays, an outcome indicating whether the prediction is correct or wrong; and (iii) indicate a score resulting from the plays, the score being based on how many of the predictions are correct; and (c) a side game payout indicator configured to indicate: (i) a plurality of different payout rates; and (ii) a plurality of different quantities of correct predictions, each one of the quantities being associated with a different one of the payout rates.
 14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the at least one side game bet tracker includes a card.
 15. The gaming system of claim 14, wherein the card defines a plurality of spaces to be indicated by marks, each one of the marks representing a pick.
 16. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the at least one side game bet tracker includes a portable device having a touch screen.
 17. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein: (a) the at least one side game bet tracker and the side game payout indicator are a plurality of images; and (b) the gaming system includes at least one processor and at least one electronic display device coupled to the gaming table, the at least one processor programmed to cause the electronic display device to produce the images.
 18. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein: (a) a win occurs in response to one of a correct prediction on the BANKER role and a TIE of a designated value; and (b) a win occurs in response to one of a correct prediction on the PLAYER role and a TIE of a different value.
 19. A gaming system comprising: a gaming table configured for play of: (a) a Baccarat-type base game associated with a deck of playing cards, the base game being playable by a plurality of gamers, each one of the garners having an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game; and (b) a side game playable in conjunction with the at least one base game; at least one BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one BANKER card station being associated with a BANKER role; at least one PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one PLAYER card station being associated with a PLAYER role; a plurality of gamer stations defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the gamer stations being usable by a plurality of the gamers, each one of the gamer stations being associated with: (a) a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer using the gamer station has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role; (b) at least one side game bet tracker configured to: (i) record, for each one of the plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER and PLAYER roles will win; (ii) indicate an outcome indicating whether the prediction is correct or wrong; (iii) indicate a plurality of different point values, a first one of the point values associated with the BANKER role, a second one of the point values associated with the PLAYER role; (c) a side game payout indicator configured to indicate: (i) a score resulting from the plays, the score being based on a plurality of factors including: (1) how many of the predictions are correct; (2) the first point values associated with the correct predictions, if any, for the BANKER role; and (3) the second point values associated with the correct predictions, if any, for the PLAYER role; and (ii) a plurality of different score outcomes associated with a plurality of different payout rates.
 20. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the at least one side game bet tracker includes a card.
 21. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the card defines a plurality of spaces to be indicated by marks, each one of the marks representing a pick.
 22. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein: (a) the at least one side game bet tracker and the side game payout indicator are a plurality of images; and (b) the gaming system includes at least one processor and at least one electronic display device coupled to the gaming table, the at least one processor programmed to cause the electronic display device to produce the images.
 23. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein: (a) a win occurs in response to one of a correct prediction on the BANKER role and a TIE of a designated value; and (b) a win occurs in response to one of a correct prediction on the PLAYER role and a TIE of a different value.
 24. A gaming system comprising: a gaming table configured for play of: (a) a Baccarat-type base game associated with a deck of playing cards, the base game being playable by a plurality of gamers, each one of the gamers having an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game; and (b) a side game playable in conjunction with the at least one base game; at least one BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one BANKER card station being associated with a BANKER role; at least one PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one PLAYER card station being associated with a PLAYER role; a plurality of gamer stations defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the gamer stations being usable by a plurality of the gamers, each one of the gamer stations being associated with: (a) a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer using the gamer station has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role; (b) at least one side game bet tracker configured to: (i) record, for each one of the plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER and PLAYER roles will win; and (ii) indicate an outcome indicating whether the prediction is correct or wrong; and (c) a side game payout indicator configured to indicate a payout rate which applies as a result of all of the predictions being correct for all of the plurality of consecutive plays.
 25. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein the at least one side game bet tracker includes a card.
 26. The gaming system of claim 25, wherein the card defines a plurality of spaces to be indicated by marks, each one of the marks representing a pick.
 27. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein: (a) the at least one side game bet tracker and the side game payout indicator are a plurality of images; and (b) the gaming system includes at least one processor and at least one electronic display device coupled to the gaming table, the at least one processor programmed to cause the electronic display device to produce the images.
 28. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein: (a) a win occurs in response to a correct prediction on the BANKER role; and (b) a win occurs in response to a correct prediction on the PLAYER role.
 29. A gaming system comprising: a gaming table configured for play of: (a) a Baccarat-type base game associated with a deck of playing cards, the base game being playable by a plurality of gamers, each one of the gamers having an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game; and (b) a side game playable in conjunction with the at least one base game; at least one BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one BANKER card station being associated with a BANKER role; at least one PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one PLAYER card station being associated with a PLAYER role; at least one display device; at least one memory device; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the at least one display device and the at least one memory device, the at least one processor being operable with the at least one display device to: (a) display a plurality of gamer stations, the gamer stations being usable by a plurality of the gamers, each one of the gamer stations displaying: (i) a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer using the gamer station has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role; (ii) at least one side game bet tracker configured to: (1) record, for each one of the plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER and PLAYER roles will win; and (2) indicate an outcome indicating whether the prediction is correct or wrong; (3) receive at least one gamer input corresponding to a selection of one of a plurality of different outcome sequences which, each one of the outcome sequences corresponding to a plurality of the outcomes which can occur as a result of a series of the plays by the gamer; and (b) select a payout rate from a plurality of different payout rates, each one of the payout rates being associated with one of the outcome sequences, the selected payout rate corresponding to the selected outcome sequence; (c) display the selected payout rate; and (d) apply the selected payout rate in response to all of the predictions being correct.
 30. The gaming system of claim 29, wherein: (a) a win occurs in response to a correct prediction on the BANKER role; and (b) a win occurs in response to a correct prediction on the PLAYER role.
 31. The gaming system of claim 29, wherein a push occurs as a result of a TIE between the BANKER and PLAYER roles.
 32. The gaming system of claim 29, wherein the processor is programmed to case the display device to dynamically change the display of the payout rate with changes in the gamer input.
 33. A gaming system comprising: a gaming table configured for play of: (a) a Baccarat-type base game associated with a deck of playing cards, the base game being playable by a plurality of gamers, each one of the garners having an opportunity to conduct a plurality of consecutive plays of the base game; and (b) a side game playable in conjunction with the at least one base game; at least one BANKER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one BANKER card station being associated with a BANKER role; at least one PLAYER card station defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the at least one PLAYER card station being associated with a PLAYER role; a plurality of gamer stations defined by or coupled to the gaming table, the gamer stations being usable by a plurality of the gamers, each one of the gamer stations being associated with: (a) a base game bet indicator configured to indicate whether the gamer using the gamer station has placed a base game bet for the BANKER role or the PLAYER role; (b) at least one side game bet tracker configured to: (i) record, for each one of the plays, a pick for a prediction that one of the BANKER and PLAYER roles will win; and (ii) indicate an outcome indicating whether the prediction is correct or wrong; (c) a side game payout indicator configured to indicate: (i) a payout rate which applies in response to: (1) a bet on all of the BANKER roles; and (2) all of the predictions being correct; and (ii) an increase in the payout rate which applies in response to: (1) a bet on at least one PLAYER role; and (2) all of the predictions being correct.
 34. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein the at least one side game bet tracker includes a card.
 35. The gaming system of claim 34, wherein the card defines a plurality of spaces to be indicated by marks, each one of the marks representing a pick.
 36. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein the increase in the payout rate is one of a plurality of available increases, each one of the available increases corresponding to an addition of a PLAYER role pick.
 37. The gaming system of claim 33, wherein the side game payout indicator indicates an additional increase in the payout rate which applies in response to: (1) a bet on at least one TIE between the BANKER and PLAYER roles; and (2) all of the predictions being correct. 